I take Metformin EX Release, I was taking 500mg 2 tablets twice daily but diarrhea and stomach problems get in the way. My doctor told me I can take one pill in the morning one pill in the afternoon and one pill at dinner and one at bedtime if needed. Metformin is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). The most common side-effects of Metformin are feeling sick, diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is best to take metformin after a meal to decrease stomach side effects including diarrhea. Precautions. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks that you take this medicine. Uses. Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Pictures of Metaglip (Glipizide and Metformin), drug imprint information, side effects for the patient. Metformin treats the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Learn more about how this medication works and what you need to know if you want to stop taking metformin. JANUMET tablets contain 2 prescription medicines: sitagliptin (JANUVIA ®) and metformin. Once-daily prescription JANUMET XR tablets contain sitagliptin (the medicine in JANUVIA ®) and extended-release metformin. People who take the number one most commonly prescribed drug for diabetes are also the most likely to stop taking their medication. Metformin works by reducing the amount of sugar released by the. Metformin (brand name: Glucophage, Glumetza) is a medication used primarily for diabetes. It is an oral hypoglycemic medication. It lowers blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics by facilitating the entrance of glucose in the tissues and reducing the amount made by the liver.