Managing Side Effects from Oral Metformin Tablets
Metformin, a widely used generic prescription medication, plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels for adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. However, like many medications, Metformin can have side effects.
The most common side effects associated with the use of Metformin include diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain or cramping, gas and bloating, and a metallic taste in the mouth. These gastrointestinal effects are the most frequently reported and tend to occur especially during the initial phase of treatment, often diminishing as the body adjusts [2][3][5].
Diarrhea is the single most common side effect, while nausea often starts early in treatment and usually improves over time [2][3][5]. Abdominal discomfort, cramping, gas, and bloating are also typical but usually mild and transient [2][3]. Some patients report a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, though this is less common [3].
A rare but serious side effect is lactic acidosis, characterized by symptoms such as stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, fast or shallow breathing, muscle pain or cramping, unusual tiredness, and sleepiness. This condition requires urgent medical attention and is more likely to occur if other serious health issues (like kidney failure or heart attack) are present [1][2][4].
In addition to these side effects, constipation and hair loss have been reported, although they are less common. Constipation could also be a symptom of low vitamin B12 levels, which may occur with long-term use of Metformin [1].
Metformin comes as an immediate-release (IR) oral tablet, extended-release (ER) oral tablet, and oral solution. It's essential to follow your doctor's instructions for dosage to minimise side effects. If constipation is bothersome or doesn't get better, talk with your doctor. They may recommend taking a laxative medication or other treatments to ease it. They may also order a blood test to check your vitamin B12 level [1].
If you have diarrhea with Metformin, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated. Dehydration can increase your risk of a serious side effect called lactic acidosis [1].
It's worth noting that Metformin can cause the same side effects in both females and males who take the medication. However, females may be more likely than males to have side effects when starting treatment with Metformin [1].
Mild side effects that have been reported with Metformin include headache, increased sweating, flatulence, indigestion, weakness, dizziness, changes in taste, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting, and mild allergic reaction [1].
If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, you should immediately eat or drink something containing sugar that your body can quickly absorb. Examples include jelly beans, hard candies, glucose tablets, a tablespoon of honey or sugar, sugary drinks (not diet or sugar-free drinks) [1].
Metformin has a boxed warning for the risk of lactic acidosis, a life-threatening condition caused by a buildup of lactic acid in your blood. The exact frequency of lactic acidosis with Metformin use is unknown [1].
If you develop a low vitamin B12 level while taking Metformin, your doctor may recommend taking a vitamin B12 supplement to help correct this. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend stopping Metformin treatment [1].
In conclusion, while Metformin is an effective medication for managing type 2 diabetes, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects. If you experience any concerning symptoms, always consult your doctor for advice and guidance.
- Metformin, a medication for type 2 diabetes, manages blood sugar levels in adults and children aged 10 and older.
- Diarrhea is the most common side effect associated with Metformin usage, often occurring during the initial phase of treatment.
- Nausea is another common side effect, usually improving over time.
- Abdominal discomfort, cramping, gas, and bloating are typical but mild side effects of Metformin.
- Some patients might experience a metallic or bitter taste in their mouths while using Metformin.
- Lactic acidosis is a rare and severe side effect of Metformin, characterized by symptoms such as stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, fast or shallow breathing, muscle pain, unusual tiredness, and sleepiness.
- Constipation and hair loss are less common side effects reported with Metformin usage.
- Metformin comes in immediate-release, extended-release oral tablets, and an oral solution.
- It's crucial to follow your doctor's dosing instructions to minimize side effects.
- Dehydration is a risk associated with diarrhea and can increase the chance of lactic acidosis.
- Both females and males can experience side effects from Metformin, but females may be more susceptible when starting treatment.
- Mild side effects of Metformin include headaches, increased sweating, flatulence, indigestion, weakness, dizziness, changes in taste, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting, and mild allergic reactions.
- If low blood sugar symptoms occur, immediately consume something containing quickly absorbable sugar.
- Metformin comes with a boxed warning for the risk of lactic acidosis, a life-threatening condition caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood, and it's essential to consult a doctor for any concerning symptoms that may arise during its usage.
