Glumetza ER

lavenderblue · #1 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008, 01:16 PM

Has anyone taken Glumetza ER before? It is Metformin in an extended release formula. My doctor gave me a few samples. I've looked at them but backed off from them because they are menacingly HUGE and I have trouble swallowing pills. I am on Metformin now, but the pills are white and round and way easier to swallow. I don't have a problem with them.

It says that the pills can't be split. Is there any particular reason WHY? Will that detract from the potency of them or make you sick if you do? I'd try these Glumetza, but, if I can't split them, I won't be able to swallow them.

If you've tried Glumetza ER, and have also taken Metformin, was there an difference in performance?

Thanks for the input!!!!!

princesslinda · #2 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008, 01:25 PM

I was started on regular metformin 500 mg twice daily at diagnosis. I asked to be put on the metformin extended release, as I felt it would keep my #s more stable throughout the day. I continued to take the metforim ER for the rest of the time I was on it. Many have found the side effects to be less on the metformin ER than with regular metformin.

The extended release metformin is just what the name implies...it releases more slowly throughout the day than the regular metformin. They are big.

I've heard you're not supposed to halve the tablets as you wouldn't necessarily get 1/2 dose by taking 1/2 tablet due to the inactive ingredient they add to suspend the dose. I guess if you were splitting them and taking both halves at the same time one after the other, there shouldn't be a problem, as you'd be getting the entire dose.

lavenderblue · #3 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008, 01:45 PM

Yes, I'd be taking both halves one after the other, just can't swallow it hole. I figured the reason they don't want you to split them is like you say, you wouldn't necessarily get 1/2 a dose by splitting and taking 1/2 a tablet. So, since I plan to take it all, I would think it'd be o.k. cut in 1/2.

Did the Metformin ER work better for you? Up til last fall I was on the regular metformin 500mg and it was working fine. I'm still on that now, but with everything that's gone on in the past 7 months in my life, stress has really taken it's toll and right now, I don't think it's working all that well. (see my response in the Introductions)

Quote:

Originally Posted by princesslinda

I was started on regular metformin 500 mg twice daily at diagnosis. I asked to be put on the metformin extended release, as I felt it would keep my #s more stable throughout the day. I continued to take the metforim ER for the rest of the time I was on it. Many have found the side effects to be less on the metformin ER than with regular metformin.

The extended release metformin is just what the name implies...it releases more slowly throughout the day than the regular metformin. They are big.

I've heard you're not supposed to halve the tablets as you wouldn't necessarily get 1/2 dose by taking 1/2 tablet due to the inactive ingredient they add to suspend the dose. I guess if you were splitting them and taking both halves at the same time one after the other, there shouldn't be a problem, as you'd be getting the entire dose.

Janlaton · #4 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008, 01:52 PM

According to google this is another Brand name of metformin. Some meds are nonscoreable because they are in liquid form on the inside and would spill if broken. I did not find anything to say this on my google site.

Scrabblechick · #5 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008, 07:44 PM

My endo has put me on the Met ER. They are lovely large pills and sometimes I look at them with utter loathing, knowing I'm going to have to swallow TWO of the #$%$# things.

Why not do an extended release gelcap with the little round thingies inside, like in a Contac pill? I'd almost rather take an insulin shot than have to choke down four of the #$%$ things a day. Plus my vitamins. Plus my Enalapril. Plus my aspirin. Bleah.

princesslinda · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 05:51 AM

I found both metformin and metformin ER worked equally well for me while I took it.

If you're having problems with your post-meal #s, you might want to look into Byetta, as it helps with this. Its a twice daily injection.

Stress (both physical and mental) can cause your blood sugar to rise.

Real4 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lavenderblue

It says that the pills can't be split. Is there any particular reason WHY? Will that detract from the potency of them or make you sick if you do? I'd try these Glumetza, but, if I can't split them, I won't be able to swallow them.

Their web site talks about "Release in to the GI tract" being extended, which implies to me that it has something to do with the construction of the pill. If you split the pill, it likely would go into the system all at once, which defeats the purpose of the medication in this form.