What’s the diff? I mean, I understand the difference but do they make a difference?
I’m on 1,000 reg Metformin twice daily but it seems to “not last” from morning to evening. Are XL and ER the same? If not, anyone notice any difference going on the extend release or long lasting versus the regular?
Hi Cheri, I really don’t know the difference but to me the extended release is like other meds. that release medicine bit by bit over an extended period of time as opposed to all at once going into your system. So, I think it would last longer. I was on the extended release version and it did last all day. I took one with breakfast and one about 9 P.M. Good luck!
XR, ER and XL are the same. It’s metformin with a special coating that releases it throughout the day. I find it curious why you say you don’t think your 1 pill in the AM lasts through the day. Metformin isn’t an “in and out” kind of drug, it builds up and continues to work to some level for up to a few weeks after you take it. Also, 1000mg is not a huge amount, it’s less than the recommended therapeutic dose. The main difference between the two types is the time release which a lot of people find minimizes the side effects and is easier to take a bunch all at once rather than split doses during the day if they are on larger amounts than you. I have not heard anyone say they have had better blood sugar results with either, just better luck with side effects.
I took the extended for a couple months and my blood sugar control went haywire. So I went back to the regular, but 3x a day instead of 2, and it’s much better.
Actually, it does make a difference in my bs - especially for us insulin-resistant types…my meter doesn’t lie. I take only Metformin and Lantus.
After a period of calm and consistency, I’ve been struggling with rising bs in the afternoon (in between meals). I’ve been trying to adjust my Lantus but haven’t gotten that figured out yet. But, I did take my metformin early two afternoons in a row, and it brought my bs down. I’m just looking for alternatives.