Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. Initiates Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets USP 500 mg and 750 mg Due to Detection of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Learn about side effects, how it's taken, and more of metformin. It's a generic prescription drug that's used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults and some children with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is a common treatment for diabetes. But it can cause digestive problems and other side effects. Learn more about the uses and side effects here. Learn about metformin usage and dosing. Read the latest news and reviews about the drug as well as potential side effects and popular alternatives. Metformin is a first-line treatment used for type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10 years and older to help improve blood sugar levels. It is also used off-label to improve symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other conditions. Metformin is used together with proper diet and exercise to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. This medicine reduces the absorption of sugar from the intestines, reduces the release of stored sugar from the liver, and helps your body use sugar better. Doctors may prescribe metformin to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s typically prescribed in combination with a balanced diet and increased physical activity. If your. Overview: Metformin is medicine you take to help keep your blood sugar from getting too high. Common side effects may include stomach problems, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. No, 500 mg of metformin is not a lot. It is the lowest standard dose prescribed to adults and is typically where everyone starts before gradually increasing. The maximum daily dose can go as high as 2,550 mg for immediate-release tablets, meaning 500 mg sits at the very bottom of the dosing range. Metformin 500 mg is a common starting dose for type 2 diabetes. Learn how it works, its side effects, and who should avoid it.