Metformin Information
Pronunciation
(met FOR min)
What is this drug used for?
• It is used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes).
Frequently reported side effects of this drug
• Diarrhea
• Passing gas
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Headache
• Loss of strength and energy
Other side effects of this drug: Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of:
• Lactic acidosis like fast breathing, fast heartbeat, abnormal heartbeat, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, severe loss of strength and energy, severe dizziness, feeling cold, or muscle pain or cramps.
• Low blood sugar like dizziness, headache, fatigue, feeling weak, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, increased hunger, or sweating.
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of a significant reaction like wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:
MetFORMIN may be confused with metroNIDAZOLE
Glucophage may be confused with Glucotrol, Glutofac
International issues:
Dianben [Spain] may be confused with Diovan brand name for valsartan [US, Canada, and multiple international markets].
Glucon brand name for metformin [Malaysia, Singapore] is also the brand name for glucosamine [Singapore]
Product Availability
Riomet ER 500 mg/5 mL oral suspension: FDA approved August 2019; anticipated availability is currently unknown. Information pertaining to this product within the monograph is pending revision. Consult the prescribing information for additional information.
Storage and Stability
Oral solution (immediate release): Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
Oral suspension (extended release): Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursion permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Discard unused portion of reconstituted suspension after 100 days.
Tablets: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursion permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular: Chest discomfort, flushing, palpitations
Central nervous system: Chills, dizziness, headache, taste disorder
Dermatologic: Diaphoresis, nail disease, skin rash
Endocrine & metabolic: Decreased vitamin B12 serum concentrate, hypoglycemia
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, abdominal distress, abdominal pain, abnormal stools, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, heartburn, nausea, nausea and vomiting
Infection: Infection
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Myalgia, weakness
Respiratory: Dyspnea, flu-like symptoms, rhinitis, upper respiratory tract infection
Miscellaneous: Accidental injury
Rare but important or life-threatening: Hepatic injury (cholestatic, hepatocellular, and mixed), lactic acidosis
