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The Benefits & Risks of the Drug Metformin

Metformin is an oral medication taken by diabetics to control blood sugar levels in the body. It is targeted to type 2 diabetes patients and can be used with other medications in a regimen to keep diabetes under control. However, it is not generally used to treat type1 diabetes. As with any other medication, there are both benefits and risks associated with Metformin that should be considered before adding it to an existing treatment plan.

  1. Risk of Lactic Acidosis

    • One of the major risks of Metformin is the potential to develop lactic acidosis, which is life-threatening buildup of lactic acid in the blood, according to Drugs.com. Symptoms include muscle and stomach pain, shortness of breath, general weakness, slower than usual heart rate, lightheadedness and excessive sleepiness. Risks are more likely for older people taking Metformin or those with congestive heart failure. If you experience any of these signs while taking Metformin, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

    Risk of Negative Drug Interaction

    • You may develop either hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) resulting from interactions with other medications while taking Metformin, according to eMedTV. Possible hyperglycemic reactions may result when taking Metformin and the following drug types: birth control pills, seizure medications, thyroid medicines, diuretics, steroids and diet pills. Also, possible hypoglycemic reactions could occur when taking Metformin and sulfa medications, aspirin, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and/or beta-blockers.

    Metformin Benefits

    • Besides controlling diabetes, Metformin can also increase fertility and decrease the risk of miscarriage for women struggling with polycystic ovarian syndrome. This drug has also been known to assist in weight loss, while raising levels of high cholesterol (HDL) and lowering levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).

    Lower Hemoglobin A1c Levels

    • Metformin decreases hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in the body. According to eMedTV, the higher levels of HbA1c, the more likely it is that you will develop additional diabetes-related conditions, such as heart disease, damage to blood vessel in the eyes and nervous system damage.

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