Formetin® (Tablets) Instructions for Use
ATC Code
A10BA02 (Metformin)
Active Substance
Metformin (Rec.INN registered by WHO)
Clinical-Pharmacological Group
Hypoglycemic drug of the biguanide group for oral administration
Pharmacotherapeutic Group
Drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus; hypoglycemic drugs, other than insulins; biguanides
Pharmacological Action
An oral hypoglycemic agent from the biguanide group (dimethylbiguanide). The mechanism of action of metformin is associated with its ability to suppress gluconeogenesis, as well as the formation of free fatty acids and fat oxidation. It increases the sensitivity of peripheral receptors to insulin and the utilization of glucose by cells.
Metformin does not affect the amount of insulin in the blood but alters its pharmacodynamics by reducing the ratio of bound insulin to free insulin and increasing the ratio of insulin to proinsulin. Metformin stimulates glycogen synthesis by acting on glycogen synthase. It increases the transport capacity of all types of membrane glucose transporters. It delays the absorption of glucose in the intestine.
It reduces the level of triglycerides, LDL, VLDL. Metformin improves the fibrinolytic properties of blood by suppressing the tissue-type plasminogen activator inhibitor.
While taking metformin, the patient’s body weight either remains stable or decreases moderately.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration, Metformin is slowly and incompletely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Cmax in plasma is reached in approximately 2.5 hours. With a single dose of 500 mg, the absolute bioavailability is 50-60%. When taken simultaneously with food, the absorption of metformin is reduced and delayed.
Metformin is rapidly distributed into body tissues. It is practically not bound to plasma proteins. It accumulates in the salivary glands, liver, and kidneys.
It is excreted by the kidneys unchanged. T1/2 from plasma is 2-6 hours.
In case of impaired renal function, accumulation of metformin is possible.
Indications
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent) with ineffective diet therapy and physical exercise, in patients with obesity: in adults – as monotherapy or in combination with other oral hypoglycemic agents or with insulin; in children aged 10 years and older – as monotherapy or in combination with insulin.
ICD codes
| ICD-10 code | Indication |
| E11 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus |
| ICD-11 code | Indication |
| 5A11 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus |
Dosage Regimen
| The method of application and dosage regimen for a specific drug depend on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the compliance of the dosage form of a specific drug with the indications for use and dosage regimen. |
Take tablets orally, during or immediately after meals to reduce gastrointestinal adverse effects.
For adults, initiate treatment with 500 mg or 850 mg two to three times daily. Alternatively, use a prolonged-release formulation once daily with the evening meal.
Increase the dose gradually based on blood glucose control and tolerability. The maximum recommended daily dose is 3000 mg, administered in divided doses.
For combination therapy with other oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin, adjust the dose of each drug based on glycemic response.
For children aged 10 years and older, the usual starting dose is 500 mg twice daily. The maximum daily dose is 2000 mg.
In elderly patients, do not titrate to the maximum dose. Regularly monitor renal function due to an increased risk of lactic acidosis.
Prior to elective surgery requiring intravascular iodinated contrast media, discontinue metformin. Restart only after 48 hours, following confirmation of normal renal function.
Regularly monitor renal function and blood lactate levels, especially in patients with risk factors for lactic acidosis.
Adverse Reactions
From the digestive system, the following are possible (usually at the beginning of treatment): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal discomfort; in isolated cases – impaired liver function tests, hepatitis (disappear after discontinuation of treatment).
From the metabolic system, very rarely – lactic acidosis (requires discontinuation of treatment).
From the hematopoietic system, very rarely – impaired absorption of vitamin B12.
The profile of adverse reactions in children aged 10 years and older is the same as in adults.
Contraindications
Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic precoma and coma; renal failure, impaired renal function (creatinine clearance <60 ml/min); dehydration, severe infection, hypoglycemic shock, which may lead to impaired renal function; clinically pronounced symptoms of acute and chronic diseases that may lead to the development of tissue hypoxia (including heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, respiratory failure); use of iodine-containing contrast agents for intravascular administration (including during intravenous urography, intravenous cholangiography, angiography, CT); acute alcohol intoxication, chronic alcoholism; hypersensitivity to metformin.
Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
Adequate and strictly controlled studies on the safety of metformin use during pregnancy have not been conducted. Use during pregnancy is possible only in cases of extreme necessity, when the expected benefit of therapy for the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Metformin crosses the placental barrier.
Metformin is excreted in small amounts in breast milk, and the concentration of metformin in breast milk can be 1/3 of the concentration in maternal plasma. No side effects were observed in newborns during breastfeeding while taking metformin. However, due to limited data, use during breastfeeding is not recommended. The decision to discontinue breastfeeding should be made taking into account the benefits of breastfeeding and the potential risk of side effects in the child.
Preclinical studies have shown that Metformin does not have a teratogenic effect at doses that are 2-3 times higher than the therapeutic doses used in humans. Metformin does not have mutagenic potential and does not affect fertility.
Use in Hepatic Impairment
Contraindicated in severe liver dysfunction.
Use in Renal Impairment
Contraindicated in severe renal impairment.
Geriatric Use
It is not recommended to use Metformin in patients over 60 years of age, due to the increased risk of developing lactic acidosis.
Special Precautions
Use is not recommended for acute infections, exacerbation of chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases, injuries, acute surgical diseases, or risk of dehydration.
Do not use before surgical operations and for 2 days after their performance.
Metformin should be used with caution in elderly patients and persons performing heavy physical work, due to the increased risk of developing lactic acidosis. Asymptomatic impairment of renal function is often observed in elderly patients. Particular caution is required if renal impairment is provoked by the use of antihypertensive drugs or diuretics, as well as NSAIDs.
If during treatment the patient develops muscle cramps, digestive disorders (abdominal pain) and severe asthenia, it should be borne in mind that these symptoms may indicate the onset of lactic acidosis.
During treatment, it is necessary to monitor renal function; the determination of lactate content in plasma should be carried out at least 2 times a year, as well as when myalgia appears.
When using metformin as monotherapy in accordance with the dosage regimen, hypoglycemia, as a rule, does not occur. However, when combined with insulin or sulfonylurea derivatives, there is a risk of developing hypoglycemia. In such cases, particularly careful monitoring of blood glucose concentration is necessary.
During treatment, patients should avoid alcohol consumption due to the risk of developing lactic acidosis.
Drug Interactions
With simultaneous use with sulfonylurea derivatives, acarbose, insulin, salicylates, MAO inhibitors, oxytetracycline, ACE inhibitors, clofibrate, cyclophosphamide, an enhancement of the hypoglycemic effect of metformin is possible.
With simultaneous use with corticosteroids, oral hormonal contraceptives, danazol, epinephrine, glucagon, thyroid hormones, phenothiazine derivatives, thiazide diuretics, nicotinic acid derivatives, a decrease in the hypoglycemic effect of metformin is possible.
In patients receiving Metformin, the use of iodine-containing contrast agents for diagnostic studies (including intravenous urography, intravenous cholangiography, angiography, CT) increases the risk of acute renal impairment and lactic acidosis. These combinations are contraindicated.
Beta2-adrenomimetics in the form of injections increase blood glucose concentration due to stimulation of β2-adrenergic receptors. In this case, monitoring of blood glucose concentration is necessary. If necessary, insulin administration is recommended.
Simultaneous use of cimetidine may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Simultaneous use of “loop” diuretics may lead to the development of lactic acidosis due to possible functional renal failure.
Simultaneous use with ethanol increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
Nifedipine increases the absorption and Cmax of metformin.
Cationic drugs (amiloride, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim and vancomycin), which are secreted in the renal tubules, compete with metformin for tubular transport systems and can lead to an increase in its Cmax.
Storage Conditions
Store at 2°C (36°F) to 25°C (77°F). Keep in original packaging, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Dispensing Status
Rx Only
Important Safety Information
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before use. Dosage and side effects may vary. Use only as prescribed.
Medical DisclaimerBrand (or Active Substance), Marketing Authorisation Holder, Dosage Form
Tablets 0.5 g: 30, 36, 50, 60, 72, 100, or 120 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Lexredstva OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
| Formetin® | Tablets 0.5 g: 30, 36, 50, 60, 72, 100, or 120 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets white, round, flat-cylindrical, with a bevel and a score line.
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin hydrochloride | 0.5 g |
Excipients: povidone (medium molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone, povidone K-30) – 0.017 g, croscarmellose sodium – 0.008 g, magnesium stearate – 0.005 g.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (5) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (6) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (10) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (3) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (5) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (6) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (10) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 0.85 g: 60 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Lexredstva OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
| Formetin® | Tablets 0.85 g: 60 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets white, oval, biconvex, with a score line on one side.
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin hydrochloride | 0.85 g |
Excipients: povidone (medium molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone, povidone K-30) – 0.029 g, croscarmellose sodium (primellose) – 0.0136 g, magnesium stearate – 0.0084 g.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (6) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 1 g: 60 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Lexredstva OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
| Formetin® | Tablets 1 g: 60 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets white, oval, biconvex, with a score line on one side.
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin hydrochloride | 1 g |
Excipients: povidone (medium molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone, povidone K-30) – 0.034 g, croscarmellose sodium (primellose) – 0.016 g, magnesium stearate – 0.01 g.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (6) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 0.5 g: 60 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Lexredstva OJSC (Russia)
Manufactured By
Pharmstandard-Tomskkhimpharm OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
| Formetin® | Tablets 0.5 g: 60 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets white, round, flat-cylindrical, with a bevel and a score line.
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin hydrochloride | 0.5 g |
Excipients: povidone (medium molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone, povidone K-30) – 0.017 g, croscarmellose sodium (primellose) – 0.008 g, magnesium stearate – 0.005 g.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (6) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 0.85 g: 30, 36, 50, 60, 72, 100, or 120 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Lexredstva OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
| Formetin® | Tablets 0.85 g: 30, 36, 50, 60, 72, 100, or 120 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets white, oval, biconvex, with a score line on one side.
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin hydrochloride | 0.85 g |
Excipients: povidone (medium molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone, povidone K-30) – 0.029 g, croscarmellose sodium – 0.0136 g, magnesium stearate – 0.0084 g.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (5) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (6) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (10) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (3) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (5) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (6) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (10) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 1 g: 30, 36, 50, 60, 72, 100, or 120 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Lexredstva OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
| Formetin® | Tablets 1 g: 30, 36, 50, 60, 72, 100, or 120 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets white, oval, biconvex, with a score line on one side.
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin hydrochloride | 1 g |
Excipients: povidone (medium molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone, povidone K-30) – 0.034 g, croscarmellose sodium – 0.016 g, magnesium stearate – 0.01 g.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (5) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (6) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (10) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (3) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (5) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (6) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (10) – cardboard packs.
Prolonged-release tablets 500 mg: 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Tomskkhimpharm OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
| Formetin® Long | Prolonged-release tablets 500 mg: 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Prolonged-release film-coated tablets white, oval, biconvex; white or almost white in cross-section.
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin hydrochloride | 500 mg |
Excipients: hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) – 248 mg, hyprolose (hydroxypropyl cellulose) – 40 mg, magnesium stearate – 4 mg, colloidal silicon dioxide (aerosil) – 4 mg, lactose monohydrate – 4 mg.
Film coating composition: 24 mg, VIVACOAT® PA-1P-000 including hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 6 cP) – 9.36 mg, titanium dioxide – 7.2 mg, polydextrose – 3.6 mg, talc – 2.4 mg, polyethylene glycol 3350 (macrogol 3350) – 1.44 mg.
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (2) – cardboard packs.
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (4) – cardboard packs.
30 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
40 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
50 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
60 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
70 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
Extended-release tablets 750 mg: 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Tomskkhimpharm OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
| Formetin ® Long | Extended-release tablets 750 mg: 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Extended-release film-coated tablets white, oval, biconvex; white or almost white in cross-section.
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin hydrochloride | 750 mg |
Excipients : hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) – 330 mg, hyprolose (hydroxypropyl cellulose) – 60 mg, magnesium stearate – 6 mg, colloidal silicon dioxide (aerosil) – 6 mg, lactose monohydrate – 48 mg.
Film coating composition: 36 mg, VIVACOAT® PA-1P-000 including hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 6 cP) – 14.04 mg, titanium dioxide – 10.8 mg, polydextrose – 5.4 mg, talc – 3.6 mg, polyethylene glycol 3350 (macrogol 3350) – 2.16 mg.
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (2) – cardboard packs.
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (4) – cardboard packs.
30 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
40 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
50 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
60 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
70 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
Extended-release tablets 850 mg: 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Tomskkhimpharm OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
| Formetin ® Long | Extended-release tablets 850 mg: 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Extended-release film-coated tablets white, oval, biconvex; white or almost white in cross-section.
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin hydrochloride | 850 mg |
Excipients : hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) – 374 mg, hyprolose (hydroxypropyl cellulose) – 68 mg, magnesium stearate – 6.8 mg, colloidal silicon dioxide (aerosil) – 6.8 mg, lactose monohydrate – 54.4 mg.
Film coating composition: 41 mg, VIVACOAT® PA-1P-000 including hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 6 cP) – 15.99 mg, titanium dioxide – 10.8 mg, polydextrose – 6.15 mg, talc – 4.1 mg, polyethylene glycol 3350 (macrogol 3350) – 2.46 mg.
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (2) – cardboard packs.
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (4) – cardboard packs.
30 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
40 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
50 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
60 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
70 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
Extended-release tablets 1000 mg: 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Tomskkhimpharm OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
| Formetin ® Long | Extended-release tablets 1000 mg: 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Extended-release film-coated tablets white, oval, biconvex; white or almost white in cross-section.
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin hydrochloride | 1000 mg |
Excipients : hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) – 294 mg, hyprolose (hydroxypropyl cellulose) – 70 mg, magnesium stearate – 7 mg, colloidal silicon dioxide (aerosil) – 7 mg, lactose monohydrate – 22 mg.
Film coating composition: 42 mg, VIVACOAT® PA-1P-000 including hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 6 cP) – 16.38 mg, titanium dioxide – 12.6 mg, polydextrose – 6.3 mg, talc – 4.2 mg, polyethylene glycol 3350 (macrogol 3350) – 2.52 mg
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (2) – cardboard packs.
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (4) – cardboard packs.
30 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
40 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
50 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
60 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
70 pcs. – jars (1) – cardboard packs.
Extended-release film-coated tablets 500 mg
Extended-release film-coated tablets 750 mg
Extended-release film-coated tablets 850 mg
Extended-release film-coated tablets 1000 mg
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Tomskkhimpharm OJSC (Russia)
Manufactured By
Pharmstandard-Lexredstva OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Forms
| Formetin® Long | Extended-release film-coated tablets 500 mg | |
| Extended-release film-coated tablets 750 mg | ||
| Extended-release film-coated tablets 850 mg | ||
| Extended-release film-coated tablets 1000 mg |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Extended-release film-coated tablets
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin | 500 mg |
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (2 pcs.) – cardboard packs (30 pcs.) – Prescription only
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (4 pcs.) – cardboard packs (60 pcs.) – Prescription only
30 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (30 pcs.) – Prescription only
40 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (40 pcs.) – Prescription only
50 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (50 pcs.) – Prescription only
60 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (60 pcs.) – Prescription only
70 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (70 pcs.) – Prescription only
Extended-release film-coated tablets
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin | 750 mg |
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (2 pcs.) – cardboard packs (30 pcs.) – Prescription only
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (4 pcs.) – cardboard packs (60 pcs.) – Prescription only
30 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (30 pcs.) – Prescription only
40 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (40 pcs.) – Prescription only
50 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (50 pcs.) – Prescription only
60 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (60 pcs.) – Prescription only
70 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (70 pcs.) – Prescription only
Extended-release film-coated tablets
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin | 850 mg |
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (2 pcs.) – cardboard packs (30 pcs.) – Prescription only
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (4 pcs.) – cardboard packs (60 pcs.) – Prescription only
30 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (30 pcs.) – Prescription only
40 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (40 pcs.) – Prescription only
50 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (50 pcs.) – Prescription only
60 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (60 pcs.) – Prescription only
70 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (70 pcs.) – Prescription only
Extended-release film-coated tablets
| 1 tab. | |
| Metformin | 1000 mg |
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (2 pcs.) – cardboard packs (30 pcs.) – Prescription only
15 pcs. – contour cell packs (4 pcs.) – cardboard packs (60 pcs.) – Prescription only
30 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (30 pcs.) – Prescription only
40 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (40 pcs.) – Prescription only
50 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (50 pcs.) – Prescription only
60 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (60 pcs.) – Prescription only
70 pcs. – jars – cardboard packs (70 pcs.) – Prescription only
