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Glucophage Diovan Gout Side Effects for Diabetes

Glucophage, often referred to by its generic name metformin, is an oral medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. The medication is usually taken two or three times a day. However, there is now an extended release form, Glucophage XR, which can be taken only once a day. The side effects for Glucophage can be serious, so it is important to understand all possible effects to the medication.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • Nausea and vomiting occurs in up to 25.5 percent of people taking Glucophage. Just over 53 percent will have diarrhea and 12.1 percent will experience gas. Abdominal discomfort will affect up to 6.4 percent and 7.1 percent may experience indigestion. Up to 9.2 percent will experience weakness while headaches will occur in up to 5.7 percent.

    Rare Side Effects

    • The following side effects occur in only 1 to 5 percent of those taking Glucophage: changes in taste, abnormal stools, muscle pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, trouble breathing, nail problems, increased sweating, flushing of the skin, rapid breathing, chills, weakness and fever. These side effects can be hard to identify because they are commonly seen in other types of diseases and conditions.

    High or Low Blood Sugar

    • Sometimes, especially in too low or too high a dose, Glucophage can cause high or low blood sugar. Symptoms indicating high blood sugar include increased hunger and thirst, blurred vision, increased urination, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and fatigue.

      The symptoms of high or low blood sugar can be confusing: Low blood sugar also can result in increased hunger and blurred vision. Watch carefully for other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as sweating, shakiness, dizziness, cold sweats, change in behavior, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, confusion and sometimes even seizures.

      See your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms become apparent.

    Lactic Acidosis

    • Lactic acidosis is a very rare side effect caused by Glucophage. This side effect occurs when there is buildup of lactic acid in the blood, usually in people whose liver or kidneys are not working properly, those who take multiple medications, people with multiple medical problems, or people who have suffered congestive heart failure.

      Possible symptoms with lactic acidosis include dizziness, weakness or tiredness, lightheadedness, low body temperature, rapid breathing or trouble breathing, sleeplessness, slow or irregular heartbeat, unusual stomach discomfort or unusual muscle pain.

      Lactic acidosis can be fatal. Seek medical care immediately if you experience any of the symptoms.

    When to See Your Doctor

    • Only your doctor can properly diagnose and treat side effects of Glucophage. Although some side effects will seem normal, they could also mean that something is wrong. In some people, side effects will last only the first few weeks of the medication and will eventually disappear on their own. However, if you experience any side effect, a doctor should decide whether should continue to use the medication. See your doctor immediately if you experience side effects indicating high or low blood sugar or lactic acidosis. These can be damaging or even life-threatening if not properly treated.

    Glucophage XR (Metformin ER)

    • While some people handle Glucophage without any problems, others will experience the harsh symptoms of the drug. If this is the case, your doctor may change you to the extended release Glucophage XR or Metformin ER. The extended release version of the drug can be less harsh on the stomach and cause fewer side effects.

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