Metformin, here’s what it is.
Metformin is a medicine often prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes, as it lowers blood sugar levels by changing how the body manages insulin. Metformin can also be prescribed for women suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), who are more at risk of developing diabetes. They can also take Metformin in order to stimulate ovulation. People suffering from pre-diabetes can also be prescribed this medication.
It is estimated that one in three adults have pre-diabetes, and although this medication is very helpful to a lot of people, there are significant side effects to Metformin. Indeed, people report feelings of nausea, diarrhoea, stomach ache and loss of appetite. Furthermore, Metformin can interact with other medications:
- Steroid tablets
- Water tablets
- Medicines to treat heart problems
- Sex hormones (such as testosterone, oestrogen or androgens)
- Other diabetes medication
So, it is important to talk to your healthcare professional about any other medications you may be taking. It is also extremely important to indicate that you are taking Metformin if you undergo surgery or get a CT scan. The Medsmart® app and its convenient virtual medicine cabinet can be helpful in these situations. Simply scan your medicine’s barcode, to access all its components, and set up reminders to take your medicine. This feature is particularity interesting as Metformin is usually taken long-term, often for life. And so Medsmart® would help you and your loved ones manage your medication and conditions more efficiently!
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Written by Julie Regamey.
References
- https://healthunlocked.com/metforminhttps://beta.nhs.uk/medicines/metformin
- https://youngwomenshealth.org/2014/02/25/metformin/
- https://pcos.com/metforminglucophageandpcos/
- https://www.verywell.com/metforminoralmedicationfortype2diabetes1087286
- https://diabetes.co.uk/diabetesmedication/metforminotherdiabetesmedication.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health/type2diabetes/statistics#1
Disclaimer
This is curated content taken from what people are saying on the web, popular conversations about medicines. We aim to provide a wide range of information for our users and readers to give a brief overview of this medicine’s main use, side effects and possible issues. We have not detailed one specific or individual health condition. We are in no way intending to replace medical advice or prescription, and we strongly suggest individuals seek advice from their doctors, pharmacists or other healthcare professionals. This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Talking Medicines, the company behind Medsmart®, has taken every effort to ensure the information written in this article is accurate but cannot guarantee that all is medically correct. Medsmart® only provides general information about post prescription medication. Medsmart® does not provide medical advice in relation to any individual case or patient, nor does Medsmart® provide medical or diagnostic services. The information provided through Medsmart® does not replace advice obtained from a qualified healthcare professional. Medsmart® users should always consult a healthcare professional before acting on any of the information you read.