Metformin is known for its trade name “Glucophage” and used mainly to treat diabetes . There are several studies that say metformin weight loss is seen to patients taking the medication. It reduces the person’s hunger that’s why it results to weight loss.
Metformin is used to manage type II diabetes if a person has a high blood sugar in the body and cannot be controlled through diet and exercise. Some patients are using metformin to reduce the amount of blood sugar in the body and to maintain it in a normal level. The drug is very helpful to increase the sensitivity of the body to insulin and to know to produce good results among diabetic clients. Like all medications, metformin also has side effects. People who are taking metformin may experience the side effects from time to time and it also varies in different persons because of the different body factors.
Most common metformin side effects:
- Changes in taste
- Abnormal stools
- Difficulty of breathing
- Muscle pain
- Increased thirst
- Increased sweating
- Flushing of the face
- Flu- like symptoms such as weakness, muscle pain, fever and chills
- Light headedness/ dizziness
- Nail problems
More severe glucophage side effects:
- Allergic reaction signs such as skin itching, wheezing, rash, difficulty of breathing, unexplained swelling and hives.
- Causes reduced absorption of vitamin B12 but B12 injections can be done to provide more B12 vitamins in the patient’s body
- It causes electrolyte disturbances which makes the body acidic. Metformin reduces lactic acidosis which can be harmful in the body but these symptoms are only experienced by 10 in every 100,000 persons who are taking metformin medication.
- Metformin causes impaired liver and kidney functions. But it only happens if the patient is overdose by the medication. If there is an excessive intake, there is a tendency for the liver and kidney to completely stop working.
- The drug can affect the level of hormones. Overdose can reduce the thyroid-stimulating hormones in the body. Lowering of the luteinizing hormones and testosterone is also possible in men.
Side Effects of Metformin Among Women
Metformin can be used in different diseases. It can be used by women who have polycystic ovary syndrome. Since metformin can cause severe damage to developing fetus, intake of the medication should be discontinued once pregnancy is confirmed. If the women are infertile and suffering from PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome, the medication must only be given after several analysis and synthesis of the test results.
The most common side effect is weight loss which became favorable to those people who are taking the medication. The major goal of people who have type II diabetes is to lose weight that’s why the use of metformin in therapeutic level will be helpful. But it does not mean that everyone can use the medication as substitute to slimming pills. They should remember that the medication is intended to lower the blood sugar level and if the person who has no diabetes takes Glucophage, they will most likely experience hypoglycemia that may be dangerous if not treated immediately. Taking the prescribed amount of medication is very important to avoid undesired side effects like kidney and liver damage. Also, doctor’s prescription is very important.
Since almost all of the medicine can have many different side effects, so your mind may raise many questions that is there any Glucophage Side Effects? The medicine Metformin is generally known as glucophage. There are few side effect which are listed below also you check your doctor for most common side effects.
- Diarrhoea
- Gas
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Nausea
- Temporary metallic taste
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
There are some critical side effects for Glucophage or metformin and here are some symptoms for you to have a better understanding.
Lots of allergic reaction such as: rashes, itching, tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the mouth, lips, face and tongue.
- Chest pain or having discomfort
- Light-headedness and dizziness
- Difficult and fast breathing
- Chills
- Fever
- Unusual cold
- Persistent sore throat
- Muscle pain and weakness
- General feeling of being unwell
- Irregular and slow heartbeat
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
This is not actually the full list of the side effects of taking Glucophage. If you need customized answer, then you may ask to your health care provider or hospital. Also you can call a doctor to take some positive advice and solution of this effect.
It is better to ask your physician what type of medicine is better for your body and what type of medicine have less negative effect.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding and planning to be pregnant it is mandatory for you to seek medical attention before you treatment with the glucophage. You also need a doctor’s attention if you are bearing child while taking med.
To ensure that the Glucophage is working properly, you have to check the sugar level of your blood continuously.
Maintain a healthy and balance diet program you have to follow and it very positive for health. Also you may pay attention to your physician before any surgery or any other major treatment.
Here is the of the side effects
Very common (affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain.
- Loss of appetite.
Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Taste disturbance, usually a metallic taste.
Very rare (affect less than 1 in 10,000 people)
- Elevated levels of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis).
- Decreased absorption of vitamin B12 during long-term use.
- Skin reactions such as rash, itching or flushing.
You may experience some or none of the side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking Glucophage. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that “just does not seem right.” While it may not be a Glucophage side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.