Overview

Fortamet was a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Fortamet was considered an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise. Fortamet was prescribed alone or in with an insulin or sulfonylurea.  Fortamet was also referred to by its drug name, metformin. Fortamet is a Biguanide.

Fortamet was believed to work by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and making the muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin.

How was it taken?

Prescribing information stated that Fortamet was generally taken once daily with the last meal of the day. Fortamet came in tablet form.

Side effects

The FDA-approved label for Fortamet listed common side effects including diarrhea, nausea, gas, stomach pain, and upset stomach. 

Rare but serious side effects listed for Fortamet included lactic acidosis (when the tissues and blood become too acidic) and systemic allergic reaction. 

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Label: Fortamet — Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet, Extended Release — DailyMed