Glucophage Side Effects

Glucophage is a prescription medication used to treat people with type 2 diabetes. It is used to help control high blood sugar levels and works by making the body more sensitive to the insulin it is producing and limiting the amount of sugar produced in the liver and absorbed in the intestines. Glucophage works best when patients use it in conjunction with a change in diet and exercise to control their diabetes. Glucophage is manufactured by drug maker Bristol-Myers Squibb and is also available in a generic form under the name metformin.

Lactic Acidosis

• In very rare cases, glucophage can cause a possibly life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. The condition is more common in the elderly, those with kidney or liver disease, people who have low blood oxygen levels or circulation problems, and those who are dehydrated or use alcohol heavily. Symptoms of lactic acidosis should be reported to your doctor immediately. They include unusual tiredness or drowsiness, muscle pain, cold or blue skin, chills, difficulty breathing or an irregular or unusually slow heartbeat.

Abdominal Side Effects

• Some people taking Glucophage may experience heartburn and indigestion, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting as a side effect of the medication. None of these is cause for concern.

Digestive Side Effects

• Diarrhea and intestinal gas are sometimes experienced by diabetes patients taking Glucophage. These side effects are normal and do not indicate a problem, but contact your doctor if they become bothersome.

Headache

• Some people taking Glucophage will experience headaches as a side effect, and this is no cause for concern. Patients can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help alleviate this sometimes bothersome side effect.

Other Serious Side Effects

• Other side effects of glucophage that may indicate that a problem has developed that may require medical attention include the following: chest pain or discomfort, muscle pain or weakness, lightheadedness or dizziness, chills, fever, persistent sore throat and unusual or persistent stomach pain or discomfort. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.