Metformin Hydrochloride: Side Effects, Risks & What to Know

Metformin hydrochloride is a prescription medication used for diabetes. Despite its effectiveness, metformin poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Significance

• According to clinical studies published by the Food and Drug Administration on RxList.com, approximately 4 percent of patients who take Metformin discontinue use of the drug due to its side effects.

Types of Common Side Effects

• Common side effects of metformin include loss of appetite, heartburn, a metallic taste in your mouth, flatulence, stomachaches, vomiting and weight loss.

Features: Hypoglycemia

• Because metformin works by decreasing your blood sugar levels, it is normal to experience occasional incidences of hypoglycemia while taking the drug. Discuss with your doctor how best to handle low blood sugar due to metformin.

Risks

• Metformin has the potential to cause life-threatening build-ups of lactic acid in your bloodstream called lactic acidosis. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include malaise, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, drowsiness, hypothermia, low blood pressure and slow heart rates.

Considerations

• Because metformin causes fetal heart defects, doctors typically recommend that pregnant women switch to insulin until after delivery. Patients over the age of 65 are more likely to experience metformin's side effects, including lactic acidosis.