Side Effects
The common side-effects associated with Metformin use include:
Occurrence of these symptoms appear to be dose-dependent and may be lessened by taking the drug after meals.
In rare cases, Metformin can cause buildup of lactic acid in the body, this condition is called lactic acidosis. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include: tiredness, drowsiness, chills, muscle pain, cold skin, difficulties breathing and irregular heartbeats. Notify your doctor immediately when you notice any of these symptoms.
If pregnancy occurs, Metformin should be discontinued unless a doctor determines that it is necessary for insulin regulation.
Contraindications
Metformin is contraindicated in patients who have any condition that could increase the risk of lactic acidosis such as excessive alcohol use and disorders of the kidneys, lungs and liver. To avoid serious complications, always inform your doctor of about your existing medical conditions.
• Wear disease medical alert identification.
• You should stop this medicine for 2 days after an x-ray with dye.
• Use caution if you are having surgery, if you have a heart attack, severe infection, or stroke, or if you are 80 years of age or older and have not had your kidney function tested.
• If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
• Do not drive if blood sugar has been low. There is a greater risk of an accident.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
• Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
• Belly pain.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Diarrhea.
• Not hungry.
• Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.
• Blood acidity (lactic acidosis) may rarely occur.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very low blood sugar or very high blood sugar.
• Severe dizziness.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Feeling cold.
• Severe belly pain.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Severe muscle pain or weakness.
• Feeling extremely tired or weak.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
Metformin, a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, is also being used as a new treatment for ovulation problems in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
(met FOR min)
Apo-Metformin®; CO Metformin; Dom-Metformin; Glucophage®; Glumetza™; Glycon; Med-Metformin; Mylan-Metformin; Novo-Metformin; Nu-Metformin; PHL-Metformin; PMS-Metformin; PRO-Metformin; RAN™-Metformin; ratio-Metformin; Riva-Metformin; Sandoz-Metformin FC; ZYM-Metformin
• A small number of people may develop an acidity to their blood. Metformin can cause this. It may occur in people whose liver or kidneys do not work normally.
• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 10 years of age.
• Do not give the extended release form to a child younger than 17 years of age.
• If you have an allergy to metformin or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you have any of the following conditions: Acidic blood condition, dehydration, drink alcohol to excess, kidney disease, or liver disease.
• If you are having an x-ray with dye.
• This medicine can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicine.
• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Take long-acting products at dinner.
• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Fortamet®: Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Created: 2005-04-07 16:58:12.0
Modified: 2010-03-09 08:22:11.0
Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.
• This medicine is used to lower blood sugar in diabetic patients. It may take 1 month to see the full effect.
• This medicine may be used to improve hormone balance.
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
• Check blood work (kidney and liver function). Talk with healthcare provider.
• Check weight weekly. Report a weight loss to healthcare provider.
• Have a yearly eye exam and visit to the foot doctor.
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
