Metformin is a prescription medication that helps regulate blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. This medication works by limiting the amount of sugar the body absorbs from ingested food. Metformin also decreases glucose production by the liver and helps the body respond more efficiently to insulin, a sugar-controlling hormone produced by the pancreas. Patients should discuss the side effects of this medication with a doctor before taking metformin.
Flu-like Symptoms
Treatment with metformin can cause patients to develop flu-like symptoms. These side effects can include muscle aches or pains; nasal congestion; cough; sneezing or headache, reports Medline Plus, a health information resource established by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Severe side effects of metformin can include fever, chills, sore throat or malaise. Affected patients should contact a doctor immediately if these flu-like symptoms are become worse or persist during metformin treatment.
Stomach Upset
Patients can develop upset stomach symptoms after taking a dose of metformin. Sensations of nausea or indigestion can be uncomfortable and may be accompanied by vomiting. Patients can also develop abdominal gas or a metallic taste within the mouth, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website. Additionally, in clinical trials for this medication, over 50 percent of treated patients developed diarrhea as a side effect of metformin treatment, reports RxList. Side effects of diarrhea can exacerbate abdominal discomfort or indigestion symptoms in certain patients. These temporary side effects will subside shortly after treatment. Eating a small snack prior to taking this medication can help limit stomach upset side effects in certain patients.
Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia
Treatment with metformin can cause blood sugar level alterations in certain patients. As a result, patients can develop symptoms of low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, or high blood sugar, called hyperglycemia, as a side effect of treatment, warns Medline Plus. Unusually low levels of sugar in the blood can cause shakiness, dizziness, headache, mood changes, weakness, hunger, confusion or loss of consciousness. Alternatively, high blood sugar levels can result in increased thirst or urination; extreme hunger; blurred vision; dry mouth; stomach upset; weakness; or breathing difficulties. These side effects from taking metformin can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Chest Pain or Skin Rash
Medline Plus warns that patients who develop chest pain or skin rash side effects while taking metformin should contact a doctor immediately.
Member Comments