Metformin Oral: Side Effects and Complications

Metformin Oral is a diabetes drug used to normalize your body's response to insulin, which can prevent high blood sugar, called hyperglycemia. Used with a doctor-approved eating and exercise plan, Metformin Oral can help you manage your blood sugar, reducing your risk for kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, and erectile dysfunction (for men).

Metformin Oral can cause serious side effects and complications. Before taking Metformin Oral, talk with your doctor about the following:

- If you have any allergies.

- If you have kidney disease, liver disease, metabolic acidosis, a serious infection or severe dehydration.

- If you had a recent heart attack or stroke.

- If you suffer from breathing, blood or fertility problems.

- If you use alcohol or are addicted to alcohol (alcoholism).

- If you are currently taking any drugs, herbs or supplements.

Depending on your circumstances, Metformin Oral may be unsafe to use. Some drugs can also worsen some of Metformin Oral's side effects or complications.

Metformin Oral: Side Effects

Most of Metformin Oral's side effects are mild and temporary, which disappear after your body adjusts to it. Common side effects of Metformin Oral include:

- Nausea

- Stomach pain, upset

- Diarrhea

- Metallic taste in the mouth

If these side effects do not disappear or worsen, contact your doctor immediately. These side effects may be a sign of a serious health condition.

According to MedLine Plus, Metformin Oral can also cause low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia. Your risk for hypoglycemia increases if you take other diabetic medications, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, do high-intensity exercise or do not consume enough calories. Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia can increase your risk for dementia, a degenerative disease.

Metformin Oral: Complications

There have been some complications associated with Metformin Oral. Some of these complications are life-threatening, and should be treated immediately.

Complications of Metformin Oral include:

- Extreme fatigue or tiredness

- Chills

- Blueish, cold skin

- Muscle pain (myofascial pain syndrome)

- Fast or labored breathing

- Slow or irregular heartbeat

These symptoms are signs of lactic acidosis, a serious health condition. According to WebMD.com, untreated lactic acidosis can be fatal. People who have kidney or liver disease, a heart condition that causes low oxygen blood levels, an infection, abuse alcohol or suffer from dehydration are more likely to develop this condition.

Other complications of Metformin Oral include hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and eating at regular intervals can help prevent these complications.

Note: This article does not cover all possible side effects and complications of Metformin Oral. This article is not a substitute for medical advice given by a licensed medical professional. Please speak with your doctor regarding any medical concerns or questions about this drug.

Sources:

MedLine Plus staff, "Metformin" (nlm.nih.gov)
WebMD staff, "Metformin Oral" (WebMD.com)