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What is Fortamet
MetforminThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMetformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is the most commonly prescribed drug for this condition and has been prescribed to over 120 million people around the world. Metformin works by reducing blood sugar levels without causing low blood sugar, and it also helps to reduce insulin resistance and insulin levels. Additionally, metformin can lead to weight loss in obese type 2 diabetes patients. It was first approved for use in Canada in 1972 and in the US in 1995, and it is available in regular and extended-release forms.
Metformin Hydrochlorideis the brand name
Fortamet Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Metformin Hydrochloride
Metformin
2002
1263
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Metformin, otherwise known as Metformin Hydrochloride, is approved by the FDA for 16 uses which include NYHA Functional Class II-IV Heart Failure and Diabetes Mellitus .NYHA Functional Class II-IV Heart Failure
Used to treat NYHA Functional Class II-IV Heart Failure in combination with Dapagliflozin
Diabetes Mellitus
Used to treat uncontrolled diabetes in combination with Rosiglitazone
Cardiovascular Diseases
Used to treat established cardiovascular disease in combination with Dapagliflozin
Kidney Failure
Used to treat End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in combination with Dapagliflozin
Type 2 Diabetes
Used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in combination with Dapagliflozin
Chronic Kidney Disease
Used to treat Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in combination with Dapagliflozin
Diet
Used to treat Diet in combination with Dapagliflozin
Hospitalizations
Used to treat Hospitalizations in combination with Dapagliflozin
Ejection fraction decreased
Used to treat Ejection fraction decreased in combination with Dapagliflozin
Type 1 Diabetes
Used to treat Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in combination with Sitagliptin
Cardiovascular Disease
Used to treat Cardiovascular Risk in combination with Dapagliflozin
Congestive Heart Failure
Used to treat Heart Failure in combination with Dapagliflozin
Physical Activity
Used to treat Exercise in combination with Dapagliflozin
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Used to treat Diabetic Ketoacidosis in combination with Saxagliptin
Cardiovascular Mortality
Used to treat Cardiovascular Mortality in combination with Dapagliflozin
Renal Insufficiency
Used to treat decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate in combination with Dapagliflozin
Effectiveness
How Fortamet Affects PatientsInsulin is a hormone that helps keep your blood sugar levels in check. People with type 2 diabetes don't respond as well to insulin, causing their blood sugar levels to become too high. Metformin counteracts this by reducing the amount of sugar made by the liver and stopping sugar from being absorbed by the intestines. It also helps the body use insulin more effectively. In a clinical trial, people taking metformin saw their fasting plasma glucose levels decrease by an average of 59mg/dL, while those taking a placebo saw an average increase of 6.3mg/dL. The Glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb
How Fortamet works in the bodyMetformin works differently than other diabetes medications. It lowers blood glucose levels by reducing how much glucose is made in the liver, stopping glucose from being absorbed in the intestines, and increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. It does this by entering cells and mitochondria and inhibiting the production of mitochondrial ATP, leading to an increase in AMP:ATP ratios. This activates AMPK, an enzyme that helps regulate glucose metabolism, and stops fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase from producing glucose, which helps reduce gluconeogenesis. It also decreases the production of cAMP, a derivative of ATP.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Fortamet is contingent upon the identified illness, such as Diet, inadequate reaction to metformin and Diabetic Ketoacidosis. The measure of dosage is based on the system of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet - Oral) specified in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Renal Insufficiency
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Insulin Resistance
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Chronic Kidney Disease
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Congestive Heart Failure
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Type 1 Diabetes
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Physical Activity
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Type 2 Diabetes
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Kidney Failure
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Diet
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Cardiovascular Disease
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Cardiovascular Mortality
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Ejection fraction decreased
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Hospitalizations
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Cardiovascular Diseases
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Diabetes Mellitus
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
NYHA Functional Class II-IV Heart Failure
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
inadequate response to metformin
500.0 mg, , 1000.0 mg, 750.0 mg, 850.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg/mL, 660.0 mg, 780.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, For suspension, extended release - Oral, For suspension, extended release, Kit - Oral
Warnings
Fortamet ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Liver Failure
Do Not Combine
Renal Insufficiency
Do Not Combine
Heart Arrest
Do Not Combine
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Do Not Combine
Operative Surgery
Do Not Combine
Metabolic acidosis
Do Not Combine
Heart Failure
Do Not Combine
Renal Insufficiency
Do Not Combine
kidney function unknown
Do Not Combine
Hypovolemic Shock
Do Not Combine
serum creatinine above upper limit for age range
Do Not Combine
ethanol
Do Not Combine
Acute Coryza
Do Not Combine
Hypoxemia
Do Not Combine
Liver Failure
Do Not Combine
Acidosis, Lactic
Do Not Combine
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Do Not Combine
Renal Insufficiency
Do Not Combine
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Metformin may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Fortamet Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The excretion of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Metformin.
Procainamide
Major
The excretion of Procainamide can be decreased when combined with Metformin.
Topotecan
Major
The excretion of Topotecan can be decreased when combined with Metformin.
Abacavir
Minor
Metformin may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Aclidinium
Minor
Metformin may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Fortamet Toxicity & Overdose RiskMetformin has an oral LD50 in rats of 1g/kg, an intraperitoneal LD50 of 500mg/kg in rats, and a subcutaneous LD50 of 300mg/kg in rats. The oral LD50 in mice is 1450mg/kg, the intraperitoneal LD50 is 420mg/kg, and the subcutaneous LD50 is 225mg/kg. Those taking metformin may be at risk for lactic acidosis, which is characterized by high blood lactate levels, anion gap acidosis, and increased lactate:pyruvate ratio. Risk
Fortamet Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Fortamet?
Currently, there are 346 active clinical trials assessing the potential of Fortamet to provide a remedy for Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes and inadequate responses to metformin.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Physical Activity
42 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Type 1 Diabetes
116 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4
Hospitalizations
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Chronic Kidney Disease
112 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Insulin Resistance
0 Actively Recruiting
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
7 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 1
Type 2 Diabetes
165 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Cardiovascular Disease
24 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Congestive Heart Failure
179 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Kidney Failure
44 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Cardiovascular Diseases
0 Actively Recruiting
Cardiovascular Mortality
0 Actively Recruiting
Ejection fraction decreased
0 Actively Recruiting
inadequate response to metformin
0 Actively Recruiting
NYHA Functional Class II-IV Heart Failure
0 Actively Recruiting
Diet
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Diabetes Mellitus
0 Actively Recruiting
Renal Insufficiency
0 Actively Recruiting
Fortamet Reviews: What are patients saying about Fortamet?
5Patient Review
11/22/2008 I just started taking this last night and was confused after reading the reviews. It seems that people have had success with Fortamet, so I'm hopeful that it will help me too.
5Patient Review
9/23/2009 The medication was effective in keeping my blood sugar down, but I experienced some very unpleasant side effects like headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
5Patient Review
2/27/2011 I've been using this medication for a while now, and it seems to be working. My most recent bloodwork showed that my levels have decreased, so I must be doing something right.
5Patient Review
11/12/2010 I experienced hair loss and terrible acid indigestion; however, the benefits of this drug outweighed the negatives for me.
4.7Patient Review
5/11/2009 I've been taking Fortamet for just over a week now. I have had some diarrhea off and on, but the worst side effect has been the nasty taste it's left in my mouth. It makes food taste like old cigarette ashes.
4.7Patient Review
10/2/2010 I've been taking this medication for a while now to treat my PCOS. It's helped some, but I still have intermittent diarrhea. On the plus side, it doesn't interfere with my daily activities; however, I have noticed that it suppresses my appetite.
4.3Patient Review
7/3/2011 So far, I'm really liking this medication better than the generic metformin. No diarrhea and it's working well for me. Fingers crossed that I'll see some weight loss and improvements in my a1c numbers.
4Patient Review
7/7/2009 I found that taking the entire 2000 mg dose right before bed helps me avoid nausea and diarrhea altogether.
4Patient Review
3/2/2010 The first time I tried to take this pill, it nearly killed me. I had to have an IV in the ambulance on the way to the emergency room. The company said they would reimburse me, but it's been seven weeks and all they've done is give me excuses.
4Patient Review
7/27/2010 I've only been taking this medication for two weeks, and the headaches have been the only side effect so far. I'm managing, but it's not ideal.
4Patient Review
4/2/2009 I unfortunately got severe diarrhea from this treatment, to the point where I had to take anti-diarrhea medication. However, it did help with my ____ issue.
4Patient Review
3/12/2010 Fortamet has been successful in regulating my blood sugar levels. I can't take the large 1000mg pill, so I have to split it into two 500mg doses, which is a bit of a hassle. The smell of this medication is really unpleasant-- it smells like old fish.
3.7Patient Review
7/22/2009 Though large, the 1000mg pill is much easier to swallow than two 500mg metformin pills. I experienced fewer side effects with this treatment as well.
2.7Patient Review
8/4/2010 I've been taking this medication for two years now, and I take it along with Byetta every day.
2.3Patient Review
3/8/2009 My sugar levels have lowered since I started taking this medication, which is great. My cycles are more regular now and ovulation has improved, which is also fantastic.
1Patient Review
11/14/20081Patient Review
1/4/2010 It's the best metformin, but I can't afford it.
Patient Q&A Section about fortamet
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is Fortamet used for?
"Metformin is a medication used to control high blood sugar. It is often used in combination with diet and exercise to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent a variety of issues including kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, and loss of limbs."
Answered by AI
Is metformin er the same as Fortamet?
"There are a few different ER products for metformin, including Glumetza and Fortamet. They work differently by slowly releasing metformin over time. Since they don't work in the same way, Glumetza and Fortamet can't be used interchangeably."
Answered by AI
What kind of drug is Fortamet?
"Fortamet is a diabetes medication taken orally by people with type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but not for those with type 1 diabetes. Fortamet is available in generic form."
Answered by AI
What is the generic for Fortamet?
"Mylan has introduced metformin hydrochloride expanded-discharge tablets, the nonexclusive adaptation of Watson's Fortamet, in 500 mg and 1000 mg portions. This nonexclusive item is implied for use as an embellishment to eating routine and activity to improve glycemic control in grown-ups with type 2 diabetes mellitus."
Answered by AI