Can You Cut Or Split Metformin ER In Half?

Answer

You are correct that extended-release metformin products should not be cut, split, or crushed as these actions will ruin the extended-release properties of the drug. Only immediate-release metformin tablets can be split.

There are actually 3 different extended-release metformin products available, and they all cannot be altered. They are:

• Glucophage XR
• Glumetza ER
• Fortamet ER

Why You Can't Cut Or Split Metformin ER

As mentioned, you cannot cut, split, crush or otherwise alter metformin ER tablets. Doing so will destroy the extended-release properties of the drug, releasing the entire dose at once and potentially increasing the risk of side effects, namely, gastrointestinal side effects.

The 3 extended-release metformin products have a different extended-release mechanisms, but the general principle behind them is the same:

• Glucophage XR: Glucophage XR uses a 'dual hydrophilic polymer system'. When a Glucophage XR tablet is taken by mouth, the polymer layer swells when it comes into contact with saliva/gastric contents. The polymer layer forms a gel on the surface of the tablet and the drug is then released by diffusion through the gel layer.


• Glumetza: Glumetza tablets use an extended-release mechanism known as 'gastro-retentive' technology. The tablets are designed to remain ('float') in the stomach and will deliver metformin to the upper GI tract over an extended period of time.


• Fortamet: ​Fortamet tablets use single-composition osmotic technology (SCOT). Once exposed to the contents of the stomach and GI tract, water is taken up through the tablet membrane, which dissolves the drug located in the center of the tablet. The drug then slowly exits through a small hole in the tablet. Tablets that use osmotic technology often leave a "ghost tablet" in the stool.

Altering any extended-release metformin product will destroy the extended-release properties of the drug, potentially increasing the risk of side effects and decreasing how well it controls your blood sugar.

You should discuss with your doctor how they want you to lower your dose. The instruction you described (to cut the tablet) may have been simply a mistake by whoever told you to do that. In addition, there may be some confusion regarding the drug and dosage form you are taking.

Metformin is available as 500 mg in both an immediate-release version and an extended-release version. Only the immediate-release version can be cut or split safely. Perhaps they wanted to switch you to the immediate release version and have you split that.

Alternatives To Splitting Metformin ER

Metformin ER and immediate-release metformin are available in multiple strengths. If you need to adjust the dosage of your extended-release version, talk to your doctor about getting a different strength. It is available as:

• Metformin ER 500mg
• Metformin ER 750mg
• Metformin ER 1,000mg

Final Words

I hope you found this helpful! Thank you for reaching out.