Metformin Dangers

 Metformin (Glucophage®) is a prescription drug commonly used for the treatment of diabetes. It is approved for people with type 2 diabetes, to help decrease blood sugar levels.
 
Before starting treatment, it is important to be aware of any potential metformin dangers. The medication may cause a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis, and the risk of this problem increases with certain medical conditions. Therefore, you should tell your healthcare provider about all other existing medical conditions you have before starting metformin.
 
There are also a number of side effects that may occur with metformin. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea or vomiting. While most side effects are mild, some are potentially serious and require immediate medical attention, including chest pain, symptoms of high blood sugar (such as blurred vision or shortness of breath), or symptoms of low blood pressure (such as cold sweats or extreme hunger).
 
(Click Metformin Side Effects and Metformin Warnings and Precautions to learn about other potential metformin dangers, including other side effects or complications that may occur with this drug.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;