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Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Biguanide antidiabetic
- Prescription
- Required
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet, Extended-release tablet
- Price Range
- ₦300 - ₦5,000
- WHO Essential
- Yes
What is Metformin?
Metformin is the first-line drug used worldwide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and Nigeria is no exception. Sold under popular brand names such as Glucophage, Dialon, and Panfor, Metformin belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides. It works primarily by reducing the amount of glucose (sugar) produced by the liver and by improving the body's sensitivity to insulin, the hormone responsible for moving sugar from the blood into the cells where it is used for energy. Unlike some other diabetes medications, Metformin does not cause weight gain, which is a significant advantage for the many Nigerians managing both diabetes and obesity.
Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly growing epidemic in Nigeria. According to the International Diabetes Federation, Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of diabetes in Africa, with millions of adults living with the condition and many more undiagnosed. Factors driving this rise include urbanisation, the shift towards processed and high-calorie diets, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic predisposition. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of all diabetes cases, is particularly common among middle-aged and older Nigerians. Metformin is the cornerstone of treatment for this condition and is widely available and affordable across the country.
You can find Metformin in virtually every pharmacy in Nigeria, from large chains in Lagos and Abuja to community pharmacies in smaller towns. It is available as standard tablets (500mg, 850mg, and 1000mg) and as extended-release tablets (Glucophage XR) that are taken once daily and may cause fewer stomach side effects. Locally manufactured options from companies like Emzor and imported brands like Glucophage from Merck are all NAFDAC-registered and widely stocked. Metformin is a prescription-only medication in Nigeria, so you will need a doctor's prescription to purchase it from a registered pharmacy.
What is Metformin used for?
In Nigeria, Metformin is commonly used for:
- First-line treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults
- Management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal condition in Nigerian women
- Pre-diabetes management to prevent progression to full type 2 diabetes
- Treatment of insulin resistance, often seen alongside obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Combination therapy with other diabetes drugs such as glibenclamide or insulin when Metformin alone is not enough
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
The usual starting dose is 500mg once or twice daily, taken with meals. The dose is gradually increased every 1-2 weeks based on blood sugar readings, up to a maximum of 2000-2550mg per day in divided doses. For the extended-release form (Glucophage XR), the starting dose is usually 500mg once daily with the evening meal, increased gradually up to 2000mg once daily. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
Children
Metformin can be used in children aged 10 years and above for type 2 diabetes. The starting dose is usually 500mg once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 2000mg daily in divided doses. Metformin use in children should be closely supervised by a paediatrician or endocrinologist.
Elderly
Elderly patients should start at the lowest dose (500mg once daily) and have their dose increased more slowly. Kidney function should be checked regularly, as reduced kidney function is more common in older adults and affects how Metformin is cleared from the body.
Always take Metformin with meals to reduce stomach side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea. Start with a low dose and increase gradually — this is known as 'start low, go slow' and is key to tolerating the drug. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with food, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next one. Never take a double dose.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Diarrhoea (the most common side effect, usually improves after a few weeks)
- •Nausea and vomiting, especially when starting treatment
- •Stomach pain and bloating
- •Loss of appetite
- •Metallic taste in the mouth
- •Flatulence (gas)
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Lactic acidosis (very rare but life-threatening — symptoms include unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, and feeling very cold)
- Severe allergic reaction (skin rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use (can cause anaemia, numbness, and tingling in hands and feet)
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or go to the nearest hospital immediately if you experience symptoms of lactic acidosis such as unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold or dizzy. Also seek medical attention if you develop a severe skin rash, persistent diarrhoea that does not improve, or symptoms of low blood sugar (sweating, shaking, confusion) if you are taking Metformin with other diabetes drugs. If you are scheduled for a CT scan or any procedure involving contrast dye, inform your doctor that you take Metformin, as it may need to be stopped temporarily.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Metformin if you have:
- Severe kidney disease or kidney failure (eGFR below 30 ml/min)
- Severe liver disease or liver failure
- Conditions that cause tissue hypoxia, such as severe heart failure, respiratory failure, or recent heart attack
- Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Metformin or any component of the formulation
- Severe dehydration or conditions causing dehydration (e.g., severe diarrhoea or vomiting)
- Heavy alcohol use or binge drinking (increases the risk of lactic acidosis)
Drug interactions
- •Alcohol — increases the risk of lactic acidosis and can worsen blood sugar control
- •Contrast dyes used in X-ray or CT scan procedures — Metformin should be stopped 48 hours before and after the procedure
- •Other diabetes drugs such as glibenclamide and insulin — may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined
- •Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) — can raise blood sugar and reduce Metformin's effectiveness
- •Diuretics (water tablets) such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide — may affect kidney function and Metformin clearance
- •Some blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors) — may enhance Metformin's blood sugar lowering effect
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Metformin use during pregnancy is a topic of ongoing discussion. While insulin is traditionally the preferred treatment for diabetes in pregnancy, Metformin is increasingly being used for gestational diabetes and in women with PCOS who become pregnant, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nigeria where insulin access and cold chain storage are challenges. Some Nigerian endocrinologists and obstetricians prescribe Metformin during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks. Metformin does pass into breast milk in small amounts, but it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Always discuss your options with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
NAFDAC-Registered Brands of Metformin in Nigeria
5 brands registered with NAFDAC as of 2026-02-01.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glucophage | Merck | 500mg, 850mg, 1000mg | Tablet | A4-1234 |
| Metformin | Emzor | 500mg, 1000mg | Tablet | A4-5670 |
| Glucophage XR | Merck | 500mg, 1000mg | Extended-release tablet | A4-1235 |
| Dialon | Hovid | 500mg | Tablet | A4-3456 |
| Panfor | Micro Labs | 500mg, 850mg | Tablet | B4-2345 |
How to Verify Your Metformin is Genuine
- 1Check for the NAFDAC registration number on the pack. Genuine Metformin products will have a NAFDAC number such as A4-1234 for Glucophage or A4-5670 for Emzor Metformin. You can verify this number on the NAFDAC website or by visiting a NAFDAC office.
- 2Look for the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) scratch code on the pack. Scratch the silver panel and text the code to the number printed on the pack to confirm the product is genuine. This is especially important for imported brands.
- 3Buy only from licensed pharmacies. Diabetes medications should not be purchased from open markets, roadside vendors, or unregistered stores. Counterfeit diabetes drugs are particularly dangerous because they may contain no active ingredient, leaving your blood sugar uncontrolled.
- 4Check the packaging for clear printing, a batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date. Compare the tablets with what you have used before — any change in size, colour, or taste should be reported to your pharmacist.
- 5Store Metformin at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not use tablets that have changed colour, smell unusual, or are past their expiry date.
Metformin Price in Nigeria
Metformin prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦300 to ₦5,000 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦300 – ₦5,000
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Metformin only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines