Glucophage, or metformin, is an oral medication that is used to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. It is prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes, which means they are not dependent on insulin. Glucophage may be used with other medications that help control diabetes, but Drugs.com points out that it is not used for type 1 diabetes. As with any medication, Glucophage has the potential for side effects.
Mild Side Effects
Most individuals who use Glucophage experience very few, if any, side effects. Drugs.com identifies a few mild reactions to the medication that may go away over time. These include headache, muscle pain, weakness, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas and stomach pain. RxList.com says other common side effects include abnormal stools, lightheadedness, nail disorders and indigestion. An individual may report these effects to their doctor at routine checkups, but immediate medical attention is not necessary unless symptoms become severe.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects do not occur in many patients using Glucophage. Individuals may experience more serious reactions to the drug due to sensitivity to the ingredients or due to their body adjusting to blood sugar changes. If side effects such as shortness of breath, swelling or rapid weight gain occur, RxList.com recommends contacting a medical care provider immediately. Other serious side effects may include fever, chills, body aches or other flu-like symptoms.
Complications
An allergic reaction to Glucophage can occur. Signs of this include hives, breathing difficulties and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. These symptoms require immediate medical attention as they are an indication of severe allergic reaction.
Excessive build-up of lactic acid can occur from Glucophage use, especially in individuals with congestive heart failure. Drugs.com identifies these serious side effects as weakness, sudden fatigue, reduced heart rate, feeling cold, pain in the muscles, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, feeling light-headed and fainting. Emergency medical care is needed for an individual experiencing lactic acidosis, as it can be fatal in 50 percent of cases, according to RxList.com.
Individuals with kidney or liver problems should not use Glucophage, as they may not be able to metabolize the medication adequately, leading to overdose. An overdose may lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, explains RxList.com. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include anxiety, sweating, tremors, nausea, loss of consciousness, seizures, abnormal behavior and even coma.
