Metformin is a blood sugar controlling drug and considered as a first step in controlling type two diabetes.
The main reason Metformin is so widely used is that it generally involves less side effects than other medications.
Not all who take Metformin have side effects and the majority of those that do are treatable in some way.
With that said, there are some people who choose to discontinue treatment with Metformin because of persistent discomfort.
What are the side effects? The most common ones occur when the drug affects normal digestion.
These include diarrhea, nausea, indigestion and abdominal discomfort.
Weakness and headaches are reported in clinical trials as well.
Also Metformin makes it more difficult to absorb vitamin B12, sometimes resulting in long-term users requiring a vitamin B12 supplement.
Hypoglycemia is not likely to occur just by using Metformin.
However, low blood sugar is possible if Metformin is used in combination with other anti-diabetic medications.
Some common symptoms of hypoglycemia include unusual appetite, lethargy, dizziness, shaking and sweating, and loss of consciousness.
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to Metformin.
Although this isn't common, its best to be cautious and look out for any unusual signs.
These could actually be allergy symptoms.
Common allergic symptoms include skin irritation, respiratory problems and swelling.
Other symptoms include chills, dizziness, and unusual drowsiness.
If you believe you are having an allergic reaction, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Although it's very rare, it must be made clear that Lactic Acidosis has a connection to Metformin users.
Lactic Acidosis is a serious condition when there is too much Lactic Acid in the blood and requires immediate medical attention.
Doctors are very careful in screening out patients who are prone to the disease, and when used properly, Metformin by itself is low risk for developing Lactic Acidosis.
For those who have liver and kidney problems, there is the possibility of Metformin building up and not filtering out of the body properly.
Most doctors believe that Metformin itself doesn't adversely affect the liver and kidneys unless the patient has a precondition.
Do the common side effects last long? The minor ones are usually temporary as the body attempts to adjust to the medication.
Metformin side effects could last for several weeks, but many report that they experience discomfort for only days instead.
There is the possibility of more long-term side effects, which may require consulting your doctor who may recommend a lower dose.
Can I allieviate some of the side effects? Whether or not they occur depends on which brand of Metformin, how big of dose you're prescribed and how your individual body will respond to it.
Most report less severe side effects when taking a long-acting form of Metformin.
Many brands have an ER (extended release) form that usually only requires one dose per day.
However, some side effects still occur often enough to mention such as diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting.
It should be noted that if you are experiencing distress due to the medication, it's not recommended that you alter the dosage yourself but instead notify your doctor.
There are many brands available that your doctor may prescribe as an alternative, but unfortunately, a few people just cannot tolerate any kind of Metformin.
The side effects outlined here are by no means a complete list of side effects of Metformin.
This is just to give you an idea of the most common ones that have been reported by Metformin patients.
A more complete list should be provided and discussed by your healthcare provider.
The main reason Metformin is so widely used is that it generally involves less side effects than other medications.
Not all who take Metformin have side effects and the majority of those that do are treatable in some way.
With that said, there are some people who choose to discontinue treatment with Metformin because of persistent discomfort.
What are the side effects? The most common ones occur when the drug affects normal digestion.
These include diarrhea, nausea, indigestion and abdominal discomfort.
Weakness and headaches are reported in clinical trials as well.
Also Metformin makes it more difficult to absorb vitamin B12, sometimes resulting in long-term users requiring a vitamin B12 supplement.
Hypoglycemia is not likely to occur just by using Metformin.
However, low blood sugar is possible if Metformin is used in combination with other anti-diabetic medications.
Some common symptoms of hypoglycemia include unusual appetite, lethargy, dizziness, shaking and sweating, and loss of consciousness.
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to Metformin.
Although this isn't common, its best to be cautious and look out for any unusual signs.
These could actually be allergy symptoms.
Common allergic symptoms include skin irritation, respiratory problems and swelling.
Other symptoms include chills, dizziness, and unusual drowsiness.
If you believe you are having an allergic reaction, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Although it's very rare, it must be made clear that Lactic Acidosis has a connection to Metformin users.
Lactic Acidosis is a serious condition when there is too much Lactic Acid in the blood and requires immediate medical attention.
Doctors are very careful in screening out patients who are prone to the disease, and when used properly, Metformin by itself is low risk for developing Lactic Acidosis.
For those who have liver and kidney problems, there is the possibility of Metformin building up and not filtering out of the body properly.
Most doctors believe that Metformin itself doesn't adversely affect the liver and kidneys unless the patient has a precondition.
Do the common side effects last long? The minor ones are usually temporary as the body attempts to adjust to the medication.
Metformin side effects could last for several weeks, but many report that they experience discomfort for only days instead.
There is the possibility of more long-term side effects, which may require consulting your doctor who may recommend a lower dose.
Can I allieviate some of the side effects? Whether or not they occur depends on which brand of Metformin, how big of dose you're prescribed and how your individual body will respond to it.
Most report less severe side effects when taking a long-acting form of Metformin.
Many brands have an ER (extended release) form that usually only requires one dose per day.
However, some side effects still occur often enough to mention such as diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting.
It should be noted that if you are experiencing distress due to the medication, it's not recommended that you alter the dosage yourself but instead notify your doctor.
There are many brands available that your doctor may prescribe as an alternative, but unfortunately, a few people just cannot tolerate any kind of Metformin.
The side effects outlined here are by no means a complete list of side effects of Metformin.
This is just to give you an idea of the most common ones that have been reported by Metformin patients.
A more complete list should be provided and discussed by your healthcare provider.
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