Metformin Side Effects

• shakiness
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• sweating
• nervousness or irritability
• sudden changes in behavior or mood
• headache
• numbness or tingling around the mouth
• weakness
• pale skin
• hunger
• clumsy or jerky movements

If hypoglycemia is left untreated, severe symptoms may develop:

• confusion
• seizures
• loss of consciousness

Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia or high blood sugar:

• extreme thirst
• frequent urination
• extreme hunger
• weakness
• blurred vision

If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:

• dry mouth
• nausea and vomiting
• shortness of breath
• breath that smells fruity
• decreased consciousness

Metformin may cause other side effects:

• diarrhea
• bloating
• stomach pain
• gas
• constipation
• unpleasant metallic taste in mouth
• heartburn
• headache
• sneezing
• cough
• runny nose
• flushing of the skin
• nail changes
• muscle pain

Some side effects can be serious:

• chest pain
• rash

Warnings & Recalls for Metformin

The following warnings and contraindications of the drug Metformin:

• Hypersensitivity to Metformin
• Possible acute alteration of renal function which can result in lactic acidosis
• Be sure to tell your doctor what medications you’re taking, prescription and nonprescription, as well as what vitamins and supplements you’re taking. Be sure to mention the medications of any of the following: amiloride; antihistamines; beta-blockers such as atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol  and propranolol; calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, isradipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, and verapamil; cimetidine; digoxin; furosemide; hormone replacement therapy; insulin or other medications for diabetes; isoniazid; medications for asthma and colds; medications for mental illness and nausea such as fluphenazine, mesoridazine), perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine), thiothixene, trifluoperazine, and triflupromazine; medications for thyroid disease; morphine; nicotinic acid; oral contraceptives; oral steroids such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone and prednisone; phenytoin; procainamide; quinidine; quinine; ranitidine; triamterene or trimethoprim. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or have taken the following medications: acyclovir; acetaminophen; aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, Kanamycin, Neomycin, netilmicin, streptomycin and tobramycin; amphotericin B; angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, and trandolapril; aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen; cancer chemotherapy medications; cyclosporine; dapsone; diuretics; foscarnet; gold compounds such as auranofin, aurothioglucose, and gold sodium thiomalate; hydralazine; lithium; medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); methicillin; nitrates; penicillin and sulfa antibiotics; penicillamine; primaquine; propranolol; rifampin; tacrolimus; vancomycin; or if you have ever taken the Chinese weight-loss herb Aristolochia.Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition.

There is a “black box” warning associated with Metformin.  The concern is “Lactic Acidosis” which is a complication that can occur from taking Metformin, which increases due to renal or hepatic impairment, acute congestive heart failure, sepsis, dehydration or excess alcohol intake.

Metformin Treatment and Use

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug whose classification is that of a biguanide.  It is often the drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly among patients who are overweight and who’ve got normal kidney functionality.  Metformin is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and has been researched into for other diseases where insulin resistance is often a critical factor.  Metformin actively works by suppressing glucose production in the liver.

Metformin has been shown to be the only antidiabetic drug that’s conclusively shown to prevent cardiovascular complications from diabetes.  It assists in reducing LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and Metformin isn’t associated with weight gain.  As of 2010, the World Health Organization has listed it as an “essential medicine”.

This drug was first synthesized in the 1920s but was shelved for about two decades.  In the late 1940s, interest in Metformin was rekindled and is believed to be the most widely prescribed antidiabetic drug in the whole world.  In the US alone, 48 million prescriptions were filled out for Metformin in 2010.

Other Names for Metformin

Metformin

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Metformin