Get Informed: Metformin
Active Ingredient(s)
Metformin
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works by improving glucose tolerance, decreasing glucose production by the liver, decreasing absorption of glucose by the intestines, and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-09-08 21:17
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-09-08 21:09
Other Names
- Metformin
- Glucophage
- Metformin HCl
- Metformin ER
- Glucophage XR
- Fortamet
- Glumetza
- Fortamet ER
- Riomet
- Glucamet
- Orabet
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
- Please log in
- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category
- B
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to its risk of lactic acidosis, particularly in patients with kidney problems.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 03 Mar 1995
- Est US Patients*
- 11,490,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Metformin or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.
Metformin Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Metformin interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Metformin used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 86,700 patients that use Metformin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetes | 88% |
mild
severe
|
| Insulin Resistance | 11% |
mild
severe
|
| Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome | 5% |
mild
severe
|
| Weight Loss | 2% |
mild
severe
|
How well does Metformin work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 86,700 users taking Metformin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM). This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 76%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Metformin outweigh the bad things.
- 11%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Metformin.
Common Side Effects of Metformin
iGuard regularly polls our more than 86,700 users taking Metformin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
25% of patients experience side-effects on Metformin
2% of patients experience significant side-effects on Metformin
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Diarrhea
-
Abdo Pain/Cramps
-
Nausea/Vomiting
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Bloating/Gas, Constipation, Cough, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Dryness, Fatigue, Grogginess/Confusion, Hair Loss, Headache, Heartburn/Reflux, Hypoglycemia, Incontinence, Increased Appetite, Insomnia, Itch/Rash, Light Sensitivity, Muscle Pain/Cramps, Palpitations, Weakness, Weight Gain, Weight Loss
Global Patient Feedback for Metformin ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
i have had to stop taking metformin as i could not cope with the byetta pen as well, was so sick and felt so ill all of the time.
does any one know of any withdrawal symptoms as i feel very light headed.
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-08-31 05:47:22
Question/Comment:
I slowly raised my level of Metformin 500ER to 2 at breakfast and 2 at dinner. no issues and does work fine. At first, I did have problems but they disappeared after a few days. Hopefully this helps some.
52 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-08-03 10:29:02
Question/Comment:
I have been taking 500 mg metformin for 7 yrs had no trouble at all then the diabetic doc raised my does to 850 twice a day, in the middle of the day after taking my first does my blood sugar drops and I get feelin very shacky like my blood sugar needs to be regulated so I test and sure enough it has dropped, Not sure what to do I have glucose intolerance and hypoglycemia which the doc calls it pre-diabetis I have had since I was17. Please write if you have an Idea thanks.
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-29 22:28:50
Member Answer/Reply:
I take 4 500mg glucophage with my evening meal and soon after feel
a get tummy cramps and wind gas which last several hours
62 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-30 06:27:40
Member Answer/Reply:
You should talk to your doctor if this amount of medication is causing this kind of discomfort every day. Good luck and happy trails.
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-30 14:06:56
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and their severity. It is a big increase to go from 500 mg once daily to 850 mg twice daily. You can ask your doctor if it would be helpful if you increase your blood glucose monitoring.
Posted: 2010-08-15 21:54:50
Question/Comment:
I have been taking metformin Hydrochloride 500mg twice a day for a week then i had to double it up the following week i am nausia all the time and very heady my ankles feel very heavy and cannot walk far i have completely gone off my food and have to put the fan on to keep me cool i continually have diaria i feel i want to stop them as i am feeling quite ill
Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-10 11:43:35
Question/Comment:
I have severe dry mouth since taking metformin for 2yrs and recently developed gastritis which i never have had.
39 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-08 06:10:04
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard user may post questions and reply.
418
Patient Comments About
Metformin