Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Biguanides for Type 2 Diabetes
The most common side effects of metformin are:
- Temporary nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea.
- Increased abdominal gas.
- A metallic taste.
These side effects occur in 5% to 20% of people taking metformin.3 Side effects usually decrease over time. When a person begins taking metformin, the dosage usually is increased gradually to prevent side effects. You may also reduce nausea by taking the medicine with food.
Blood levels of vitamin B12 can decrease in some people who take metformin. But this usually does not cause health problems.3
A rare side effect of metformin is a condition called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis occurs when muscles release lactic acid during exercise. If the liver is not able to convert the lactic acid into sugar, the acid builds up in the blood. If lactic acidosis is not treated quickly, it can lead to coma and death.
- Lactic acidosis may occur in people who have kidney or liver failure, have low levels of oxygen in their blood (hypoxia), abuse alcohol, or are dehydrated. It can also result if metformin is taken when a person has surgery or X-ray studies that use a dye. Be sure all your doctors know that you are taking this medicine if you need a test that involves the use of a dye or if you are having surgery. You will have to stop taking metformin for up to 48 hours before and after the test or surgery.
- Metformin should not be used to treat diabetes in people who have decreased kidney or liver function. A blood test to measure kidney and liver function should be done before starting this medicine.
Metformin may decrease menstrual irregularities in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This may increase the risk for unplanned pregnancy.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 9, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Care Finder
from
- Facebook is now fueling organ donations
- Military women and suicide: Home safe but not sound
- Still in gear: Injuries don’t stop veterans on 100-day bike trek
- Ask Jenna: I've hit a weight loss plateau. What do I do?
- He poses in a tutu to laugh in face of wife's cancer
- After chemo hair loss, 'henna crowns' help heal
The iVillage Network