Metformin Warning, Side Effects, Uses

What Is Metformin

While taking metformin, it is always better to know about metformin warning. Metformin is an oral prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It decreases glucose production in the liver. Metformin tablets eliminates glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It improves insulin sensitivity. It aids weight loss in adults with type 2 diabetes.

How Metformin Works

In patients with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance is common. The body is unable to use the insulin that is leading to increased blood sugar levels.  Metformin stops insulin formation in the body. Thereby reduces the amount of sugar synthesized in the body. Thus it helps in keeping the blood sugar level under control.

What are the other illnesses treated by metformin

Pcos (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

Hormones work together. They are co-related.  When insulin production is not smooth your reproductive hormonal functions under laying problems.  Metformin works in women with PCOS by lowering insulin. It also decreases androgen and cholesterol levels in the body.  However, it is better to be cautious about metformin warning.

Gestational Diabetes (Diabetes During Pregnancy)

Metformin keeps diabetes in control during pregnancy.  It helps to keep body weight gain and blood pressure under control.

Weight Loss while combined with other medications

Metformin helps to shed weight in some people.  Why it causes weight loss is still under study. 

Studies also show that metformin protects heart health in patients with diabetes.

Side Effects of Metformin

Metformin may treat many conditions related to diabetes.  But it has a history of creating allergic reactions. The symptoms range from hives, breathing difficulty. Also swelling of face, lips, tongue, and throat is common in metformin allergy.  It also causes serious side effects while interacting with other drugs and alcohol.  

Metformin Warning

FDA(Food and drug administration) has given a black box warning for this drug. Metformin warnings could be dangerous and life-threatening. 

This is because of one critical and rare side effect that metformin causes. –Lactic Acidosis. The condition is a medical emergency and warrants immediate treatment in the hospital.  It is better to consider metformin warning before taking it as is fatal in 50 % of people who developed lactic acidosis.   

Symptoms of Lactic Acidosis

If you have or if you think you have symptoms of lactic acidosis you should call your doctor immediately.

Weakness

Muscle pain

Trouble breathing

Unusual sleepiness

Stomach pain

Nausea

Vomiting

Dizziness

Lightheadedness

Slow or irregular heart rate

The above symptoms are common for many conditions.  The chances are higher that it is because of lactic acidosis if you have taken metformin.