|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

Glucophage Risks & Side Effects

Glucophage is an oral drug prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes, usually to patients whose condition has not responded to changes in diet and exercise. A brand name for metformin, Glucophage has several side effects, some serous.

  1. Function

    • In type 2 diabetes, the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces. Glucophage helps the body respond more effectively to this insulin. The medication also decreases the amount of sugar made by the liver and the amount absorbed through the intestines from carbohydrates.

    Common Side Effects

    • In clinical studies with Glucophage, as detailed by eMedTV, the most common side effect was diarrhea, experienced by over half the participants in some studies. Up to 25 percent of participants in some studies developed nausea. Headaches and weakness also may occur.

    Types

    • Glucophage is available in a standard version and an extended-release type called Glucophage XR. Side effects are much less common with Glucophage XR, with less than 10 percent of people in the clinical trials experiencing either diarrhea or nausea.

    Risks

    • Rarely, some patients develop a life-threatening disorder called lactic acidosis when taking Glucophage. Symptoms include weakness, sleepiness, slow heart rate, muscle pain, shortness of breath and lightheadedness.

    Drug Interactions

    • Many drugs interact with Glucophage. They include certain decongestants, calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids, diuretics, and other diabetes medications, which can lead to low blood sugar.

Diabetes - Related Articles