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Tolerability of prolonged-release metformin (Glucophage® SR) in individuals intolerant to standard metformin — results from four UK centres

2007; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 7; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1177/14746514070070050501

1753-4305

Michael Feher, Ma'en Al‐Mrayat, Julie Brake, King Sun Leong,

Diabetes Management and Research

Advances in drug formulation have improved the tolerability of many commonly used agents. Metformin is recommended as initial drug therapy for type 2 diabetes and has proven long-term efficacy and safety. However, gastrointestinal (GI) side-effects of standard, immediate-release (IR) metformin often reduce medication adherence and limit dose titration. A prolonged-release metformin formulation may improve tolerability over its IR counterpart. We report the results of two prospective and two retrospective clinic-based evaluations of the tolerability of metformin in a total of 95 patients intolerant to standard IR metformin assessed over three to six months following a switch from IR to prolonged-release metformin (Glucophage® SR). Between 62% and 100% of patients from the centres tolerated the prolonged-release formulation. Glycaemia following the switch was improved or unchanged. Prolonged-release metformin represents a useful option for patients intolerant of standard IR metformin due to GI side-effects. This improved tolerance of prolonged-release metformin may improve medication adherence and thereby enhance treatment outcomes.