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of Consumer Guide, the Editors. "Metformin Overview." 07 March 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/metformin.htm> 17 May 2008.
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Metformin Warnings
The following are some additional precautions to observe when taking metformin:- It is important to tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to any medication, especially to metformin.
- It is also important to tell your doctor if you now have or ever had kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease.
- When taking the extended-release tablets, it is normal for the inactive part of the tablet to be eliminated in the feces as a soft mass.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking metformin. Alcohol may increase the risk of serious side effects from metformin.
- Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking metformin. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR that you are taking metformin if you are going to have any type of X-ray or similar medical test. Your doctor may want you to stop taking metformin a few days before such testing is scheduled.
- Follow any special dietary instructions provided by your doctor. This is an important part of controlling your blood sugar levels and is necessary in order for metformin to work properly.
- Test for sugar in your urine as directed by your doctor. It is a convenient way to determine whether your diabetes is being controlled by metformin.
- Eat or drink something containing sugar right away if you experience any symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as anxiety, chills, cold sweats, cool or pale skin, drowsiness, excessive hunger, headache, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, shakiness, or unusual tiredness or weakness. It is important for your family and friends to know the symptoms of low blood sugar. They should understand what to do if they observe any of these symptoms in you.
- Although it is very uncommon, metformin may cause a condition known as lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are diarrhea, severe muscle pain or cramping, shallow and fast breathing, and unusual sleepiness, tiredness, or weakness. IT IS IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This drug has not been studied for use during pregnancy. Your doctor may switch you to insulin while you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. And be sure to tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of metformin may pass into breast milk.
For more information about diabetes, try the following links:
- To learn more about other medications, visit our Type 2 Diabetes Medications page.
- For more information on diabetes, visit the main Type 2 Diabetes page.
- To find out more about treating diabetes, check out Type 2 Diabetes Treatment main page.
- For additional information on biguanides, the class of drug that metformin bleongs to, read Biguanides.
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Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this How Stuff Works article:
of Consumer Guide, the Editors. "Metformin Overview." 07 March 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/metformin.htm> 17 May 2008.
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