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The Question
10/02/09 11:57 AM

"I am taking Metformin ER tablets. I switched from one drug mfg. to another and I have noticed that my blood sugar is not as controlled. Why?"
Asked By: lynnwo  
Category: Oral Medications

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Expert Answers (2)

10/02/09 06:36 PM

Hello,

Thanks for bringing your question to dLife.

Metformin is the generic name for Glucophage. It is available as extended release. Metformin works primarily by decreasing the liver's glucose (sugar) production. It also increases the body's sensitivity to insulin.

Technically, the medicines should be identical and should perform exactly the same regardless of the manufacturer. All the generic drugs had to perform the same to be approved,

Checked the expiration dates? The medicine handled and stored properly? Are there other factors that might have contributed to your rise in blood glucose levels? Your glucose monitor working correctly? Using fresh test strips?

Compare your blood glucose readings with a fresh batch of the medicine. If your blood glucose levels continue to be higher, consider going back to the previous manufacturer.

Take care.

Answered By: Liz Quintana
Accreditations: EdD, RD, LD, CDE
Sources Show
10/02/09 08:20 PM

Dear lynnwo-

This recently happened to a patient of mine. Her pills had a strong fish odor whenever she opened the bottle. We reviewed all her life style behaviors and this was the only variable. She went to another pharmacy and requested a different manufacturer than what she had and her glucose levels returned to her previous level. Apparently there was a preservative that made her level fluctuate or inhibited absorption.

Evaluate your behaviors and if all is good with that try a different pharmacy or request your pharmacy to change. Great job being aware of the best for your self management.

Answered By: Janet HowardDucsay
Accreditations: RN BSN CDE
Sources Show

Community Answers (4)

10/10/09 07:16 PM

I've been stable for 10yrs with a HBGA1C UNDER 7 THIS TIME AND LAST TIME i WAS 7.8 AND THIS time 7.1 and my MD is talking about adding somethig to my Metformin 500 mg twice a day and I am scared blood are slowly going down, Linda
Answered By: lindarnc
FLAG
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10/10/09 05:19 PM

I'm a Type 2, dx'd in 9/02. My doc started me on Glucophage XR (name-brand metformin) at that time; my sugars responded well, and I was soon in the 5% club with my A1c's. Eventually my insurance company required that I switch to generic metformin, and my sugars went crazy for several weeks. There were no illnesses or dietary changes that would account for these aberrations. I'd gain control, but I began to notice that every time the pharmacy switched to a new metformin manufacturer, my sugars would soar. I finally solved the problem by asking my doctor to prescribe Glucophage XR and indicate "do not substitute - medically necessary" on the prescription. It worked like a charm - no more wild sugar levels. My co-pay is higher, but it's well worth it to maintain control. I take other generics, and they work just fine; metformin seems to be the only one that's problematic for me. Your best bet would be to talk to your doctor and your pharmacist. Hope this info is helpful to you.
Answered By: sunliner
FLAG
SourcesShow


10/04/09 09:55 PM

I am a type 2 and we were dxed about the same time. I had the same thing happen only in reverse. Got three refills at Pharnacy and BG was tracking down ward at a fairly regular rate. Then went to 90 scrip on mail order and got a new mfg. Within three weeks the rate of drop more than doubled and has stayed down with the new pills. Good Luck
Answered By: Dunigan
FLAG
SourcesShow


10/04/09 09:54 PM

I am a type 2 and we were dxed about the same time. I had the same thing happen only in reverse. Got three refills at Pharnacy and BG was tracking down ward at a fairly regular rate. Then went to 90 scrip on mail order and got a new mfg. Within three weeks the rate of drop more than doubled and has stayed down with the new pills. Good Luck
Answered By: Dunigan
FLAG
SourcesShow



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