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. Find patient medical information for Metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, and others) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Metformin Brand names: Axpinet, Diagemet, Glucient, Glucophage, Metabet Find out how metformin treats type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome, and how to take it. Metformin is a diabetes medication that helps the insulin you produce work better. You usually take it as a tablet. Metformin should be taken with meals to help reduce stomach or bowel side effects that may occur during the first few weeks of treatment. Swallow the tablet or extended-release tablet whole with a full glass of water. Metformin, sold under the brand name Glucophage, among others, is the main first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, [13][14][15][16] particularly in people who are overweight. [14] It is also used in the treatment of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, [15] and is sometimes used as an off-label adjunct to lessen the risk of metabolic syndrome in people who take. Metformin is used to manage and treat prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, PCOS, and more. Learn about the common side effects and risks that come with metformin. FAQ Glucophage & Metformin: Complete guide, benefits, dosage, and long-term safety Metformin —best known under the original brand name Glucophage —is one of the most prescribed medicines in the world for type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and even supports weight and metabolic balance in some patients. Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin commonly causes side effects like nausea, diarrhea and bloating, but there are more serious side effects, too. An endocrine clinical pharmacist explains what they are and how to avoid them.