Metformin: Uses, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions

# Metformin Overview Metformin is a medication used to help control type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. It works by reducing the amount of sugar your liver makes and helping your body use insulin more effectively. Doctors often prescribe metformin as the first medicine to try when someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken by mouth, one or more times a day with meals. When taking metformin, there are some important safety points to remember. You should not take it if you have severe kidney problems or certain metabolic conditions. While taking metformin, avoid combining it with certain other medicines, especially carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (used for some eye conditions), since this combination can increase the risk of a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Make sure your doctor knows all the medicines you take and monitor your health regularly. Common side effects may include stomach upset or nausea, but these often go away over time. If you have questions about whether metformin is right for you or how to take it safely, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist.