Metformin is a medication commonly used to lower blood sugar in patients with diabetes. Because it also helps with insulin sensitivity, it is used in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome to treat insulin resistance. It is also known as Glucophage or Glucophage XR. According to the prescribing information for metformin, it does not cause low blood sugar. There are some common side effects of metformin of which patients should be aware.
Lactic Acidosis
Lactic acidosis occurs when lactic acid builds up in the body. This can happen in patients with kidney or liver failure due to the body's inability to remove lactic acid efficiently. The metformin package insert indicates that lactic acidosis due to metformin is rare, but can be fatal in 50 percent of patients who do experience it. Anyone on metformin who notices symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty breathing, muscle pain and abdominal problems should contact their doctor immediately.
GI Side Effects
Patients taking metformin often complain of gastrointestinal side effects. According to the metformin prescribing information, these may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, indigestion and abdominal discomfort. Metformin is recommended to be taken with food, which may help with these problems, according to the American Diabetes Association. Larger doses of over 2000 mg daily can be divided into three daily doses to help decrease side effects.
Other Side Effects
Patients may also notice weakness and headache when taking metformin. In some patients, B12 levels may decrease. The package insert recommends checking B12 levels every one to two years in patients on metformin.
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