What is Metformin?
Also known as (Brand Names): Glucophage, Glycon
Metformin is an oral medication (part of a group of drugs called biguanides) used to treat type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing glucose production, thus helping to control blood sugar levels.
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Metformin Side Effects & Risks
As with most medications, there are side effects and risks associated with taking metformin. This is not a complete list. If you experience any other symptoms, contact your doctor.
Common side effects
Common side effects of metformin include diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, abdominal bloating, gas, and loss of appetite.
Uncommon side effects
Uncommon side effects of metformin include weakness, fatigue, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, feeling cold, dizziness, lightheadedness, and irregular heartbeat.
Rare side effects
The following side effects are rarely experienced by patients taking metformin.
- Lactic acidosis characterized by weakness, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling cold, dizziness, lightheadedness, and irregular heartbeat.
- Pancreatitis characterized by prolong abdominal pain, vomiting, and abdominal pain that spreads to the back.
- Hemolytic anemia characterized by fatigue, pale color, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dark urine, chills, and backache.
- Encephalopathy characterized by muscle weakness in one area, poor decision making or concentration, involuntary twitching, trembling, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and seizures.
- Peripheral neuropathy characterized by numbness and tingling or sharp, jabbing, throbbing, freezing, or burning pain in feet, hands, arms, or legs; extreme sensitivity to touch; lack of coordination; falling; muscle weakness; and paralysis.
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Metformin Dosage & Available Forms
Metformin ER (extended release) is typically taken once a day while metformin IR (immediate release) can be taken multiple times a day. It is available as a tablet in 500mg and 850mg strengths.
To minimize or avoid side effects, be sure to take metformin with food and at around the same time every day. It may take a couple of weeks before patients experience the maximum benefits of metformin.
A metformin overdose can be very serious and can cause severe hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis. If you believe you may have overdosed, seek medical attention immediately.
Do Not Take
Allergic reactions
Do not take metformin if you are allergic to metformin or any ingredient in the formulation or packaging.
Interactions and contraindications
Metformin interacts with a handle of other drugs including thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone), corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone), birth control pills, certain menopause medications, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (acetazolamide, zonisamide).
Children and young adults
Metformin can be taken by children over the age of 10 to treat type 2 diabetes.
Pregnancy and lactation
To date, animal studies do not show harmful effects on pregnant women or babies. Diabetes, however, when uncontrolled, can cause several risks and complications including ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, and delivery complications. Data is limited around the effect of metformin on breastfed infants, but it is believed that the benefits, in most cases, will outweigh the risks. Be sure to discuss these issues with your doctor.
Medical history
Make sure your doctor is aware if you have a history of kidney disease, prediabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, type 1 diabetes, liver disease, alcoholism, heart failure, or dehydration.
Alcohol consumption
Excessive use of alcohol should be avoided while taken metformin, as it can increase your risk of developing lactic acidosis.
