Metformin

off-label Rx · medium oversightFDA-approved

AMPK activation; reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis

Overview

Biguanide; first-line for insulin resistance in PCOS and widely used off-label for longevity. Activates AMPK and reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis.

How it works

AMPK activation
↓ hepatic gluconeogenesis
↑ insulin sensitivity

Dosing

500–2000 mg/day (extended-release preferred).

Oral1000 mg standardrange —–2000 mg· daily (ER, with food)

Cycling

Continuous

Side effects

Common: GI upset (dose-related)
B12 depletion (long-term)
Warnings: Rare lactic acidosis (renal impairment)

Verified citations

2 · PubMed-checked

Metformin improves healthspan and lifespan in mice.preclinicalPMID 23900241 ↗
Evidence That Metformin Is a Putative Anti-Aging Drug.reviewPMID 34421827 ↗

Reconstitution

Not applicable — this compound is oral. No vial reconstitution needed.

Used for

Legal / compounding

FDA-approved

FDA: Approved

Legal status is a hard gate: non-compoundable or delisted agents cannot be filled and are blocked from protocol export. Keep 503A status current.