Metaformin

Oral medications: III Metformin

Metformin (Glucophage®), predominantly keeps the liver from producing excess glucose, but is thought to have additional actions such as to increase the utilization of glucose by skeletal muscle and fat tissue. It is beneficial in many obese diabetics who often display insulin resistance. Metformin rarely causes low blood sugar and tends to cause small decreases in plasma triglycerides and cholesterol.

GI side effects are common and include loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, abdominal discomfort, gas and altered taste. These side effects may decrease with long-term use. Rarely, metformin is associated with elevated lactic acid in the blood referred to as lactic acidosis. Ingestion of alcohol increases the risk of developing lactic acidosis. Patients receiving this drug are educated as to the symptoms of this side effect.

Women with polycystic ovary disease often have high levels of insulin that may be involved in stimulating androgen (male hormone) production. There is some evidence that metformin may reduce the symptoms and improve other hormone imbalances that are involved.

A generic form of metaformin HCL was approved by the FDA in early 2002 and is being marketed by Andrx.