Publication Date: 10/23/2004
Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
How soon after beginning to take a new oral medication should the blood sugar levels go down? Shouldn't Glucopage XR have some effect within the first 24 hours? I am taking 500 mg once a day with Starlix (three times per day). Thanks.Answer
The response to Glucophage XR (a long acting form of metformin) is in the range of weeks. It works by improving the body's response to insulin and this effect takes time. It does not stimulate insulin release, as Starlix does, so you would not expect an immediate effect. In addition you have appropriately been started on a small dose. You may need more to control the sugar levels, this will be determined after the response to this dose has been determined.Copyright � Colorado HealthSite. Reproduced with permission.
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