Metformin, a commonly prescribed drug for diabetes, is known for its significant impact on blood sugar management and affordability – aka it is effective, efficient, and inexpensive. Normally, this would be a big win for a medication. However, despite these advantages, there is a growing trend of individuals discontinuing its use. This is largely due to the side effects that it can sometimes cause, as well as a general lack of education around the drug and its side effects. This is what you should know, so you can decide with the guidance of a healthcare professional what is right for you.

The Digestive Dilemma: Side Effects of Metformin

One of the primary reasons individuals stop taking metformin is the gastrointestinal side effects it can cause. Symptoms such as diarrhea and flatulence are fairly common. As anyone can imagine, these side effects are challenging, uncomfortable, and often embarrassing. It can make it difficult to leave the house or lead to anxiety about being in public situations. After all, the last thing anyone wants is to start suffering from severe flatulence or worse while on a long bus ride, at a concert, or even everyday places like the grocery store. Despite metformin’s effectiveness in managing diabetes, this symptom alone may lead to people discontinuing their treatment.

Other Common side effects of metformin

Not all side effects of this medication are permanent. In many cases, metformin may cause some side effects that diminish over time. These side effects include the gas and diarrhea, as well as heartburn, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, bloating, constipation, weight loss, headache, and a metallic taste in your mouth. Taking metformin with a meal can help reduce the chances of experiencing these side effects. Of course, depending on the severity of these symptoms and how long they do last, it can be quite a hindrance towards doctors getting their patients to hang in long enough for those symptoms to pass.

These common side effects are not the only side effects of metformin, however. There are other side effects that have begun to cause quite a lot of concern among some diabetes patients. Some are so worried that they are even beginning to refuse to take the medication altogether, for fear of these potential side effects. This, of course, puts them at risk for mismanaged diabetes and all of the problems that come along with that.

Lactic acidosis

One of the most serious side effects of metformin is lactic acidosis, although it is rare. Lactic acidosis is characterized by a dangerous buildup of metformin in the body leading to a pH imbalance. Our bodies have a very delicate pH system that if changed by even a decimal point or two, can have some pretty serious consequences. Symptoms of lactic acidosis can include extreme tiredness, weakness, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle pain, and more. This is not a side effect to be taken lightly: Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment in a hospital setting, so if you believe you are experiencing it, get to the hospital as soon as you possibly can.

Anemia

Vitamin B12 is a very important micronutrient for our health. It is involved with countless processes in the body, particularly with energy and cognitive function. Metformin can lower the levels of vitamin B12 in the body, which in rare cases can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause plenty of health problems on its own accord. Symptoms of anemia include tiredness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. While there are plenty of healthy food sources of vitamin B12, those with low levels may need to discuss supplement options with their healthcare provider. In severe cases, injections may be required.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar, usually levels low enough that you will begin to experience other, potentially dangerous symptoms. While hypoglycemia is not a common side effect of metformin on its own, combining metformin with an unhealthy diet, strenuous exercise, excessive alcohol intake, or other diabetes medications can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, and an unusually fast or slow heartbeat. This is why open communication, honesty, and careful monitoring with your healthcare provider are so important. If you have diabetes, simply taking medication to control your blood sugar isn’t enough. You need to follow your medical team’s instructions in terms of diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Be open and honest with your lifestyle habits, as well as be sure to show them all medications you are already taking, including both prescription and over-the-counter medications.