A rare side effect of metformin is its association with acute pancreatitis due to overuse or renal failure [4].
In our case, several signs can guide to and support the diagnosis of metformin induced pancreatitis; first is the clinical presentation of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and dehydration. Second, high levels of Lipase and Amylase, which correlate positively with CT findings.
Metformin may have an adverse effect on renal function in patients with type 2 DM and moderate CKD.
Long-term side effects
Taking metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency if you take it for a long time. This can make you feel very tired, breathless and faint, so your doctor may check the vitamin B12 level in your blood. If your vitamin B12 levels become too low, vitamin B12 supplements will help.
Some diabetes medications may increase the risk of pancreatitis. In particular, the class of medications that target glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to control blood sugar levels have been linked to the increased risk. The drugs Januvia (sitagliptin) and Byetta (exenatide) fall into this category.
The following drugs seem to cause pancreatitis: azathioprine, thiazides, sulfonamides, furosemide, estrogens, and tetracycline. Less convincing, but suggestive evidence exists for: 1-asparaginase, iatrogenic hypercalcemia, chlorthalidine, corticosteroids, ethacrynic acid, phenformin, and procainamide.
How long to take it for. Treatment for diabetes is usually for life. But if your kidneys are not working properly, your doctor will tell you to stop taking metformin and switch you to a different medicine. Do not stop taking metformin without talking to your doctor.
More serious side effects are rare. They include severe allergic reactions and a condition called lactic acidosis, a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. The risk for this is higher among people with significant kidney disease, so doctors tend to avoid prescribing metformin for them.
Metformin is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes that is generally well tolerated. GI upset, especially diarrhea, is the most common side effect. This typically decreases over time. Although rare, lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency can occur.
Common metformin alternatives are SGLT-2 Inhibitors (Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance, and Steglatro), GLP – 1 Receptor Agonists ( Bydureon, Byetta, Ozempic, Adlyxin, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Victoza), Sulfonylureas or SFUs { DiaBeta, Glynase, or Micronase (glyburide or glibenclamide) Amaryl (glimepiride) Diabinese ( ...
As much as possible, avoid white bread, white rice, white pasta, candy, soda, desserts, and snacks like chips or crackers. Eating foods that can spike your blood sugar will not necessarily make the metformin not work, however, it will increase the burden it has to work against.
Metformin has been associated with pancreatitis in a few case reports. The pathophysiology of metformin-induced pancreatitis is poorly understood, and the exact mechanism is currently unknown.
Regarding its protective role in pancreatic β cells, metformin restores insulin secretion function altered by the chronic exposure to free fatty acids or high glucose, and protects pancreatic β cells against palmitic acid (PA)-induced apoptosis.
While diabetes doesn't cause pancreatitis, people with type 2 are at higher risk for it. There are several things that can cause pancreatitis, including infections and smoking. But the most common are heavy alcohol use and gallstones, which are small masses in the gallbladder. Sometimes, the cause is unknown.
GI AEs typically encountered with metformin therapy include diarrhoea, nausea, flatulence, indigestion, vomiting and abdominal discomfort, with diarrhoea and nausea being the most common.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are another option if Metformin isn't working for you. These can either be taken orally or through an injection (either once a day or once weekly). They are proven to lower blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels, as well as protect against kidney disease and heart disease as well.
Under certain conditions, too much metformin can cause lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are severe and quick to appear, and usually occur when other health problems not related to the medicine are present and are very severe, such as a heart attack or kidney failure.
If you stop taking metformin abruptly, your health may suffer. You may experience side effects such as higher blood sugars, an increased A1c, and even weight gain. Over time, higher blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes complications, including: Retinopathy and blindness.
Clinically apparent liver injury from metformin is very rare, fewer than a dozen cases having been described in the literature despite widespread use of this agent for several decades. The liver injury usually appears after 1 to 8 weeks, typically with symptoms of weakness and fatigue followed by jaundice.
Metformin doesn't cause kidney damage. The kidneys process and clear the medication out of your system through your urine. If your kidneys don't function properly, there's concern that metformin can build up in your system and cause a condition called lactic acidosis.
Metformin is a common prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It can help lower blood sugar and HbA1c levels and is used to help manage weight. It's best to avoid saturated fats, excess alcohol consumption, too much sodium, refined carbohydrates, and processed and added sugars while taking it.
The most common causes of acute pancreatitis include gallstones, alcohol use, and hypertriglyceridemia.
In severe cases, pancreatitis can be life-threatening. If you have severe abdominal (tummy) pain that lasts for more than 20 minutes, call your doctor or visit the emergency department of your local hospital. Pancreatitis can be either acute (sudden onset) or chronic (ongoing and longer-term).