Side Effects of Metformin

What is Metformin

Metformin is a drug that is used to treat Diabetes mellitus, which is commonly termed as 'diabetes'. Metformin is specifically used as an anti-diabetic medicine for type 2 diabetes. Medical practitioners prescribe this drug to patients who are overweight or obese and also have stable and normally functioning kidneys (as it is harmful to people with kidney disorders). Sometimes, it is also used as a remedy for Polycystic ovary syndrome. If not administered properly and accurately, this drug can cause some side effects.

Side Effects of Metformin

In the field of medical sciences, side effect, refers to some or the other form of adverse effect of a drug. The first and most commonly observed side effect of Metformin is Lactic acidosis. In this condition, Metformin, causes the body to generate lactic acid that enters the blood flow. This phenomenon is usually seen in patients suffering from kidney disorders upon consumption of Metformin. The second most common side effect that is observed is gastrointestinal upset. This side effect refers to a reaction of digestive system and is reflected by abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. This side effects is not very harmful to the body, though it makes the patient very uncomfortable. Gastrointestinal upset is seen in patients, when Metformin is prescribed for the first time. The increase in dosage also causes patients to suffer from gastrointestinal upset.

Sometimes the human body does not accept Metformin, due to which body displays some physical reactions. These reactions are closely related to gastrointestinal upset. The person who has been prescribed the drug, starts feeling weak and sleepy all of a sudden, and light headed. If the body totally rejects any intake, then the patient starts to have frequent headaches, a cold feeling, stomach pain or he may vomit. In such situations, it is advisable to visit your doctor immediately.

Some patients are even allergic to Metformin. This is not realized unless and until the patient actually takes it. If the body is allergic to the drug, then the patient may start having hives, and will find it difficult to breathe; face, lips and tongue will start swelling. Some patients also experience a sore throat. In such situations, stop the dosage and visit a doctor.

Some other serious side effects are as follows:

• Drop in pulse rate and exertion.
• Swelling of skin or very rapid weight gain (this symptom may not be realized immediately).
• Fever, flu and chills accompanied by body ache.

Some of the other milder symptoms that appear till the body gets accustomed to Metformin are as follows:

• Headache and muscle pain.
• Weakness.
• Nausea and stomach pain.

A combination of Metformin with some other drug, sometimes cause side effects. Some drugs that increase the blood sugar should not be taken by along with Metformin. Seizure medicines, thyroid medicine or birth control pills tend to boost up blood sugar levels, if they are accompanied by Metformin. On the other hand medicines like beta-blockers, sulfa drugs, probenecid, tend to lower blood sugar levels if they are used with Metformin. Medicines like morphine, quinidine, furosemide and digoxin, tend to react with Metformin.

Due to these reasons, it is always advisable to use Metformin, only if the doctors prescribes it. Also if a doctor prescribes you Metformin, be sure to inform him about the other medicines or drugs that you intake.