Metformin Side Effects

Even though metformin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it has come with some problems within the past few years. The drug is considered to be safe to treat people with type 2 diabetes and has very mild side effects, if any, for most people. However, a few cases have sprung up where people have developed lactic acidosis and later died from kidney failure.

Lactic acidosis is a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream and can potentially deadly if not treated early enough. Metformin has been known to cause this in people with poorly functioning kidneys. Some people have tried to form a metformin lawsuit but for the have failed every single time. The reason for this is because metformin, under the brand name, glucophage, has a very clear warning on the box that indicates this is a very rare metformin side effect and can be potentially fatal. The courts have ruled that the manufacturers have provided enough warning to put the responsibility on the patient and the doctors.

If you are taking metformin, you need to be aware of the signs of lactic acidosis. These symptoms include rapid breathing, shortness in breath, and severe weakness. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. You also need to make sure that you stop using any type of metformin medication until you receive a notice from your doctor that you are safe to use it again. You can be tested for lactic acidosis and can be treated accordingly before it is too late.

More successful lawsuits regarding metformin have been targeted at doctors. The makers of metformin clearly tell doctors that patients with existing kidney problems should not be prescribed metformin. A report that was issued by the American Medical Association found that many doctors had prescribed many patients metformin, even though they knew the patient was suffering from a kidney or heart disorder. The study suggested that doctors are not fully aware of the dangers of metformin and may not be aware that they are prescribing the drug even though it is against a black box warning.

Currently, there are no lawsuits against metformin or the specific brand names related to metformin. As a patient it is your responsibility to talk to your doctor to make sure that it is safe to use metformin. If you are unsure, then you should consult another doctor to get a second opinion. It is not the manufacture’s fault if you experience severe symptoms because the drug has clear warnings and instructions to prevent instances of lactic acidosis and even death.

It needs to be mentioned again that metformin is a very safe drug when used correctly. Obviously, it is no different from any drug – if you abuse it, then there may be consequences. Make sure you have no kidney or heart issues and you will no problem using metformin.