What Are the Side Effects of Metformin?

The major side-effects of Metformin

are related to the gastrointestinal tract.

There may be some cramp-y abdominal pain,

some diarrhea, loose bowel movements;

Some people get a little bit anorectic

they lose their appetite on Metformin.

They might even get a metallic taste in their mouth

that is associated with the administration of Metformin.

About 10% of people are unable to tolerate Metformin

because of these gastrointestinal side-effects

and Metformin is not to be used in people

who have impaired kidney function

and all patients should

check with their doctor

what their level of kidney function is

to make sure that metformin is

not contraindicated for them.

But Metformin has a long track record

of efficacy in safety and it is

the number one drug that's recommended

by the American Diabetes Association,

the European Diabetes Association, and the

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

to initiate treatment in patients

with type 2 diabetes.