THE TRANSDERMAL METFORMIN SOLUTION

Transdermal Metformin bypasses the gastrointestinal system, which benefits people who experience gastrointestinal side-effects from the oral version of the drug…

Metformin (Glucophage®, Glumetza®, Fortamet® Riomet®), which traditionally comes in tablet form, is a very beneficial medication commonly used for treating Type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovaries. However, some patients cannot tolerate the oral dose due to nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea and loss of appetite, which are common side effects of oral Metformin. Indeed, one in 20 patients have oral Metformin therapy discontinued due to the severity of their side effects. Besides, some patients may have difficulty swallowing the large tablets, which increases the risk that they will discontinue their medication prematurely. Metformin also interacts with other medications that patients might be taking.

Although oral Metformin is the first line of treatment for patients, for those who cannot tolerate it, Compounding pharmacies such as NewSpring offer a solution – change the route from oral to transdermal.

With a doctor’s prescription, a compounding pharmacy will formulate Metformin into a gel or cream to be applied on the skin. Transdermal application of Metformin bypasses the gastrointestinal system, which benefits people who experience gastrointestinal side-effects from oral metformin.

Since Metformin is so effectively absorbed through the skin, the dosage for transdermal application is significantly lower than the oral dose. Research has shown the transdermal route to be effective. Each patient is carefully monitored to ensure that the formulation works for them

For more information on Transdermal Metformin come into the pharmacy or give us a call on 623-932-9800.

Source: The above article is based on an article published in the Feb 2014 PCCA Apothagram