metformin
a BIGUANIDE drug that reduces blood sugar levels and is used to treat noninsulin-dependent DIABETES . It is administered by mouth and may cause loss of appetite and minor digestive upsets; it should not be used in patients with kidney disease, in whom it may cause LACTIC ACIDOSIS .
Metformin is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Metformin is in a class of drugs called biguanides. Metformin helps to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It decreases the amount of glucose you absorb from your food and the amount of glucose made by your liver. Metformin also increases your body's response to insulin, a natural substance that controls the amount of glucose in the blood. Metformin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking metformin affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Based on the studies reviewed, it is not known whether metformin can make it harder to get pregnant. Metformin has actually been used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that itself can make conception more difficult. Anyone with concerns about fertility while taking metformin should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking metformin increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Metformin is not expected to increase the risk of miscarriage. Poorly controlled diabetes during the first trimester, however, can itself raise this risk, so it is important to discuss management with a healthcare provider.
Does taking metformin increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of every 100 babies are born with a birth defect, regardless of exposures. Based on available studies, use of metformin during pregnancy is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects. Poorly controlled diabetes in the first trimester can itself increase this chance, so any changes to treatment should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking metformin during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Some studies have suggested that people with gestational or type 2 diabetes treated with metformin had smaller babies at birth compared to those treated with insulin, and that these children gained weight rapidly after birth. Some research has suggested a higher chance of childhood obesity, while other studies have not found such a difference. These findings are best reviewed with a healthcare provider in the context of an individual pregnancy.
Can taking metformin during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
Based on the available information, taking metformin during pregnancy is not expected to affect a child's future behavior or learning. Any specific concerns about a child's development should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking metformin?
Metformin passes into breast milk in small amounts, and one study did not find problems in breastfed infants. The available data does not provide a definitive safety statement, so it is important to discuss any questions about breastfeeding while taking metformin with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
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