Topical metformin that bypasses the digestive tract — all the metabolic benefits, none of the GI side effects.
Many patients cannot tolerate oral metformin due to nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. This compounded 20% lotion delivers metformin directly through the skin into your bloodstream, completely bypassing the stomach and GI tract while providing the same insulin-sensitizing benefits.
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Oral metformin is one of the most effective medications for insulin resistance and PCOS, but its well-known gastrointestinal side effects prevent many patients from staying on treatment. Nausea, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea cause up to 25% of patients to discontinue oral metformin.
Topical Metformin HCL Lotion 20% solves this problem by delivering metformin transdermally — through the skin and directly into the bloodstream. Because the medication never enters your stomach or intestines, there is no nausea, no bloating, and no diarrhea. You get the metabolic benefits of metformin without the GI burden.
Get Started — $69/mo →Pentravan base carries metformin through the skin barrier and into systemic circulation, providing steady medication levels.
The Pentravan base is a specialized transdermal carrier that penetrates the skin barrier. It carries metformin through the epidermis and dermis, where it enters the capillary network and reaches systemic circulation.
Unlike oral metformin, which creates peaks and troughs in blood levels as it passes through the GI tract, transdermal absorption provides a more gradual, consistent release of medication into the bloodstream.
Once metformin reaches the bloodstream, it works identically to oral metformin — activating AMPK, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing hepatic glucose output, and lowering androgen levels in PCOS patients.
A side-by-side look at how topical metformin lotion compares to the traditional oral tablet.
Published research has demonstrated that transdermal metformin can achieve meaningful systemic absorption and produce metabolic effects comparable to oral administration. A 2019 study published in PubMed confirmed the efficacy of transdermal metformin delivery, supporting its use as an alternative route for patients who cannot tolerate the oral formulation.
Apply to either the inner wrists or inner thighs. These areas have thinner skin with good blood flow, allowing for optimal transdermal absorption.
Dispense the prescribed amount and rub it into the skin until fully absorbed. Make sure the area is clean and dry before application.
Avoid washing or wetting the application area for 4-6 hours after applying. This ensures the medication has time to be fully absorbed through the skin.
Use the lotion at the same time each day for best results. Most patients find that applying in the morning or evening (based on their shower schedule) works well for consistency.
Local skin reactions are generally mild and often resolve on their own within the first few days as your skin adjusts. Rotating application sites can help.
Discontinue use and contact your provider if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction. Your provider will monitor bloodwork periodically.
Key advantage: Because topical metformin bypasses the GI tract entirely, the most common side effects of oral metformin — nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and metallic taste — are completely eliminated.
Transdermal metformin delivers the same active ingredient into your bloodstream, where it works identically to oral metformin. Published research supports the efficacy of transdermal delivery. However, absorption rates can vary between individuals, and your provider will monitor your response and adjust dosing as needed.
These areas have thinner skin and a dense network of blood vessels close to the surface, which allows for better transdermal absorption. The inner wrists and inner thighs are the most effective sites for getting the medication into systemic circulation.
You should wait 4-6 hours after applying before washing or wetting the application area. This gives the medication enough time to be fully absorbed through the skin. Plan your application around your shower schedule — for example, apply after your morning shower or well before your evening shower.
Metformin HCL Lotion 20% has a very mild, neutral scent from the Pentravan base. Most patients report no noticeable odor once the lotion is absorbed into the skin.
Avoid applying other lotions, creams, or skincare products to the same area where you apply the metformin lotion. Other products can interfere with absorption. You can use skincare products on other areas of your body without any issue.
The Pentravan base is designed to absorb into the skin relatively quickly. While it may feel slightly moist immediately after application, it should not leave a greasy residue once fully rubbed in and absorbed.
Complete a 5-minute online consultation. A licensed provider will review your information within 1-2 business days.
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