Glumetza

Glumetza is a medication that can be prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. By decreasing the amount of sugar made by the liver, as well as the amount of sugar absorbed into the body, the drug can help the body respond to its own insulin better and reduce blood sugar levels. Glumetza comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day with the evening meal.

Glumetza Information

What Is Glumetza?

Glumetza^® (metformin hydrochloride extended-release) is a prescription medication licensed to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). Glumetza is a long-acting form of metformin.

Although other long-acting forms of metformin are available (such as Glucophage XR^® and Fortamet^®), Glumetza is not equivalent to these products. Glumetza is specially designed to release the medication in the stomach, not in the intestines (as with other metformin products). This may decrease the intestinal-related side effects (such as diarrhea and gas).

(Click Metformin Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Glumetza is manufactured by Depomed, Inc.

How Does Glumetza Work?

Glumetza is part of a class of

diabetes medications known as biguanide medications. Glumetza works in several ways. It decreases the amount of sugar (glucose) made by the liver. It can also decrease the amount of sugar absorbed into the body from the diet and can make insulin receptors more sensitive, helping the body respond to its own insulin better. All of these effects cause a decrease in blood sugar levels and lead to better control of diabetes.

Because Glumetza does not increase the amount of insulin produced by the body, it is less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), like many other diabetes medications can.

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