TAGS
An oral anti-diabetic from the biguanide class. It is the first-line drug for the treatment of type-2 diabetes (but is also used in type-1 diabetes with insulin resistance), particularly in overweight and obese people and those with normal kidney function. Evidence suggests it may be the best choice for people with heart failure. It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS.)
It helps reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and may aid weight loss. It is estimated that Metformin may help with perhaps 5% weight loss, but this could also be attributed to the fact that it helps with insulin resistance (which causes weight gain). Metformin is not a weight loss drug however, although you may read that it is. It is considered “weight neutral” as it doesn’t cause weight gain.
When prescribed appropriately, Metformin causes few adverse side-affects—the most common is gastrointestinal upset—and, unlike many other anti-diabetic drugs, does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)if used alone. Hypoglycemia during intense exercise has been documented, but is extremely rare.
Metformin also modestly reduces LDL and triglyceride levels.
Side effects and warnings
The most serious potential side effect of Metformin is lactic acidosis; this complication is very rare, and seems limited to those with impaired liver or kidney function. Stop the Metformin and seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis:
unusual tiredness, severe drowsiness, chills, blue/cold skin, muscle pain, fast/difficult breathing, unusually slow/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
The most common adverse effect of metformin is gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and increased flatulence; metformin is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects than most other anti-diabetic drugs. Gastrointestinal upset can cause severe discomfort for patients; it is most common when Metformin is first administered, or when the dose is increased. The discomfort can often be avoided by beginning at a low dose and increasing the dose gradually. Gastrointestinal upset after prolonged, steady use is less common. The extended-release version(ER or XR) often produces less of these problems.
A metallic taste in the mouth may occur at first as your body adjusts to the medication.
Low blood sugar is rare but may occur, especially if you take other medications for diabetes, drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise, or do not consume enough calories from food. Symptoms include cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shakes, fast heartbeat, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands/feet, and hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar when engaging in these activities.
Before having surgery(this included dental) or any X-ray/scanning procedure using injectable iodinated contrast material(contrast dye), tell your doctor that you are taking this medication. You will need to temporarily stop this medication before the time of your surgery/procedure. Consult your doctor for further instructions. If medical professionals don’t ask what drugs you are taking, be sure to mention it.
Don’t drink alcohol in excess with metformin.
Now the first-hand experience stuff:
Unofficial Metformin nick names: Metfartmin, Metformin Mambo, and Why Is There a Moose on the Loose in my GI Track.
Metformin can take from 4-12 weeks to fully build up in your system. Any increase in dose will also take that long. You will probably begin to see some changes in numbers after taking it for several weeks, but give it time to work fully.
To take an extra dose when levels are high will not help at all! Metformin doesn’t work that way, see above for reasons why.
Always take with food. It helps with the gastrointestinal upset.
If you miss a dose, just take it when you remember. Because it doesn’t work like some other diabetes medications the timing is not as important as the total daily dose.
Many people have reported feeling cold when beginning this drug, I was one of them. This does occur with some, but usually resolves in time. I’m not sure if it’s the drug itself or the reduction in insulin resistance and a low carb diet. I do know that when I would overdo the carbs I’d feel a lot warmer!
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