Antidiabetic (Biguanide)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Metformin is a medicine that helps lower blood sugar levels by making your body respond better to insulin and reducing the amount of sugar your liver releases into your blood.
Inhibits hepatic glucose production by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and reducing gluconeogenesis, while simultaneously improving insulin sensitivity and increasing peripheral glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Most adults start with 500 mg taken twice a day (morning and evening) with food. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose up to 1000 mg twice daily depending on your blood sugar levels. Always take it with or just after meals to reduce stomach upset. Common brands in Nigeria include Diabetmin 500 mg, Avrophage 500 mg, Biophage 500 mg, and Avrophage 1000. Swallow the tablet whole with water — do not crush or chew sustained-release tablets like Diamet SR 1000.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but only if it is close to the time you would normally take it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Always buy your metformin from a registered pharmacy — brands like Avrophage, Biophage, or Diabetmin are well-known in Nigeria, so avoid unknown brands from roadside sellers or open markets. Do not stop taking your medication because you feel fine — diabetes is a long-term condition that needs consistent management. If you are having surgery or a medical scan, tell your doctor you are on metformin as it may need to be paused temporarily.
Alcohol — drinking alcohol while taking metformin increases your risk of lactic acidosis and dangerously low blood sugar, so limit or avoid alcohol completely. Insulin or other diabetes medicines like glibenclamide — using them together can cause blood sugar to drop too low. Certain kidney-affecting drugs and contrast dyes used for scans — inform your doctor you are on metformin before any medical imaging procedure.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Metformin with your other drugs?
Metformin may be used during pregnancy for diabetes management under a doctor's supervision, but always consult your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep it in the original container with the lid tightly closed and always keep it out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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