What Is Metformin?

Potential Side Effects

While metformin causes fewer potential side effects than other diabetes medicines, patients have frequently experienced stomach issues such as gas, abdominal cramps, and nausea during metformin treatment. Other common side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, sleepiness, decreased appetite, and back pain. Some individuals have reported painful urination and a general feeling of discomfort while taking this medicine, and it is common to develop a cough or hoarseness during treatment. Although less common, patients could notice blurry vision, headaches, and dizziness with metformin use. Anxiety, depression, nightmares, chest tightness, and facial redness have occurred as well. This medication can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, and some patients have experienced slurred speech, shakiness, changes in their nails, heartburn, and constipation.

Metformin is also associated with a rare side effect known as lactic acidosis. This potentially life-threatening condition often produces a skin rash and chest pain. Patients with these symptoms should be taken to the emergency room. It is important to let the prescribing physician know about any side effects that develop, especially if they are severe or persistent. Patients should also let their doctor know if side effects begin after they have already been taking metformin for a few weeks. It may be possible to reduce the dose so side effects are more tolerable.

Read about the precautions to remember when it comes to taking metformin next.