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Generic Name: Metformin
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Glucophage is a relatively recent diabetes medicine in the U.S., although it
has been available in other countries for over a decade.
It is
prescribed to people with NIDDM, or "adult onset" diabetes.
Although it
lowers blood sugar both right after meals and between meals, it works
differently from most other diabetes pills.
It improves the body's
response to insulin and reduces the liver's output of sugar.
It also
lowers blood fats somewhat, and it is hoped this will reduce the risk of heart
disease.
Glucophage may be used alone or in combination with other
diabetes pills.
Side Effects and Interactions
The most common side effects of Glucophage are
digestive: loss of appetite, nausea or diarrhea. These may fade with time.
Rash, flatulence, and a metallic taste have also been
reported.
One rare but serious adverse effect may occur when a person has
kidney problems or becomes dehydrated.
Lactic acid may build up in the
bloodstream and lead to dangerous consequences. Contact your doctor promptly if
you feel ill, with muscle aches, trouble breathing, stomach pain and drowsiness.
Blood tests will determine if lactic acidosis has developed. This is a medical
emergency.
If Glucophage seems to be losing its effectiveness for
controlling blood sugar, discuss the situation with your
doctor.
Furosemide (Lasix) can increase blood levels of Glucophage, while
levels of furosemide may be lower than expected.
Nifedipine (Adalat,
Procardia) can also boost Glucophage levels modestly, while cimetidine (Tagamet)
can raise Glucophage levels substantially.
Other drugs, including
Lanoxin (digoxin), quinidine and Zantac (ranitidine), might theoretically
increase Glucophage blood levels but no interactions have been reported
yet.
Medications such as cortisone or estrogen that tend to raise blood
sugar may interfere with the effectiveness of Glucophage.
Check with
your physician and pharmacist regarding potential interactions of Glucophage
with any other drugs or herbs you take.
Special Precautions
People with poor kidney function may need lower doses of Glucophage to avoid a dangerous build-up of the drug.
Older people may also need dosage adjustments so that they take the minimum possible dose that controls blood sugar.
Periodic monitoring of kidney function is essential.
Glucophage should be stopped temporarily before surgery or any x-ray procedure using iodinated contrast media ("dye"). Ask your doctor for specific instructions.
Taking the Medicine
Glucophage is usually taken with meals, twice a day.
It works best in patients following
a sensible diet for diabetes.
Excessive alcohol intake can increase the potential for a
serious reaction and should be avoided by people taking Glucophage.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000
Reader Comments
Side effects from Metformin can be delayed quite some time after starting the medication. I began taking it about 5 years ago, with good results, for a considerable time. Then I began to have digestive problems with stomach pain and diahrrea after eating certain foods. First to go was hot peppers which I had eaten all my life. I developed GERD and later began having episodes of stomach cramping and diahrrea with no obvious food connection.
My doctor was doing a guessing game... stress?, irritable bowel?, gall bladder?, lactose intolerance? The cramping, diahrrea became more frequent until it occured about 2 times a week. A year ago I had a 3 week episode of diahrrea and my doctor finally said to stop Metformin.
Within a few days I was much better and have been re-introducing foods I previously avoided. I can now eat hot peppers and other foods I stopped. Metformin was the cause.
Posted by: Carol | November 20, 2007 9:00 AM
My doctor prescribed two medications Metformin and Simvastatins. I took the dose as prescribed, and felt as if I had been food poisoned. I had diarrhea, stomach pain and my stomach was constantly grumbling for almost the entire day. Every time I tried to eat, my stomach got upset.
I had other serious side effects like dizziness, fast, racing heartbeat, felt like I had low blood sugar, and I had even tried to take half a dose, but it does not work for me. Not to mention my stomach has not been the same ever since I took the medication.
Do you think that Sea Buckthorn oil could be a better choice?
Posted by: jr | March 3, 2008 10:11 PM
I've been on Metformin for 10 years. Recently with Teva. A1Cs around 6 and fasting glucose on average 100. I switched pharmacies and now get Metform made by Watson labs. My blood sugars are all over the place. Fasting 161! I feel like I'm "getting" diabetes all over again. I will try to switch back. Is this normal?!?!
Posted by: Jon H | October 5, 2008 11:53 PM