150116 Would You Take This Drug?

For the Consumer

Applies to metformin: oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by metformin. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking metformin:

More common

• Abdominal or stomach discomfort
• cough or hoarseness
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• fast or shallow breathing
• fever or chills
• general feeling of discomfort
• lower back or side pain
• muscle pain or cramping
• painful or difficult urination
• sleepiness

Less common

• Anxiety
• blurred vision
• chest discomfort
• cold sweats
• coma
• confusion
• cool, pale skin
• depression
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of warmth
• headache
• increased hunger
• increased sweating
• nausea
• nervousness
• nightmares
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• seizures
• shakiness
• shortness of breath
• slurred speech
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• wheezing

Rare

• Behavior change similar to being drunk
• difficulty with concentrating
• drowsiness
• lack or loss of strength
• restless sleep
• unusual sleepiness

Some of the side effects that can occur with metformin may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

More common

• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• bloated
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• full feeling
• heartburn
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• metallic taste in the mouth
• passing of gas
• stomachache
• stomach upset or pain
• vomiting
• weight loss

Less common

• Abnormal stools
• bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• change in taste
• difficulty with moving
• discoloration of the fingernails or toenails
• flu-like symptoms
• joint pain
• rash
• runny nose
• sneezing
• stuffy nose
• swollen joints

This is why I am taking these instead:

Coupled with changes in my diet, my blood glucose levels have been consistently below 110.