Metformin is an oral medication that lowers blood glucose (sugar) and is used for treating type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers glucose levels in blood by reducing the amount of glucose made by the liver and by increasing the removal of glucose from the blood by muscle and fat tissues. Diabetes results because of reduced production of insulin and reduced uptake (and effects) of insulin on the body's tissues. Metformin acts by increasing the sensitivity of liver, muscle, fat, and other tissues to the uptake and effects of insulin. These actions lower the level of sugar in the blood. Unlike glucose-lowering drugs of the sulfonylurea class, e.g. glyburide (Micronase; Diabeta) or glipizide (Glucotrol), metformin does not increase the concentration of insulin in the blood and, therefore, does not cause excessively low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) when used alone.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects with metformin are nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea and loss of appetite. These symptoms occur in one out of every three patients. These side effects may be severe enough to cause therapy to be discontinued in one out of every 20 patients. These side effects are related to the dose of the medication and may decrease if the dose is reduced.
A serious--though rare--side effect of metformin is lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis occurs in one out of every 30,000 patients and is fatal in 50% of cases. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are weakness, trouble breathing, abnormal heartbeats, unusual muscle pain, stomach discomfort, light-headedness and feeling cold. Patients at risk for lactic acidosis include those with reduced function of the kidneys or liver, congestive heart failure, severe acute illnesses, and dehydration. -
2007-12-20 16:05:23
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answer #1
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answered by Jayaraman 7
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Metformin is prescribed to help keep blood sugar levels more stable in the body. Metformin boosts the body's receptiveness to insulin thus keeping blood sugar levels more even. The first few days of taking the drug can be accompanied by some pretty nasty nausea and the drug may curb your appetite a bit.
2007-12-20 14:40:11
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answer #2
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answered by Eoas 3
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It's supposed to increase sensitivity to insulin. By modifying cellular membranes.
Don't think serious side effects reported.
Only side effect on the seriouss side is Lactic acidosis; (too much accumulation of lactic acid in blood); easily reversible.
2007-12-20 14:59:55
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answer #3
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answered by alpla 6
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