Metformin is a medicine used for type 2 diabetes. It is available on prescription from pharmacies and is on the WHO list of essential medicines. It is now a generic medicine, because the patent of the original brand medicine has expired. This means that different manufacturers are allowed to offer it, where the effect is exactly the same as the original brand medicine.
How does metformin work?
The glucose we get from our food and drinks is absorbed by the blood and stored as a supply in the liver and muscles. Normally, the hormone insulin ensures that glucose (sugar) is extracted from the blood and used as fuel by the body cells. Because the body of diabetes patients has little to none insulin produces, an excess of glucose will remain in the blood. This can lead to serious health problems with, for example, the kidneys, nerves, blood vessels, eyes and heart.
Metformin is a drug that supports the body of diabetics in several ways. First of all, glucose production in the liver is reduced. This means less glucose remains in the blood. In addition, the insulin sensitivity of the muscle tissue is increased. The result is that the body cells can absorb and use glucose better. Finally, metformin reduces the absorption of glucose in the intestines. This medicine also has a beneficial effect on fat metabolism, research shows. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels are reduced. This is important because high levels can lead to cardiovascular disease.
Metformin side effects
Symptoms of diabetes, such as feeling thirsty, frequent urination and dry mouth, will disappear within a few days of starting this medicine. Many diabetes patients also experience a reduced feeling of fatigue after a few weeks. Metformin is taken in tablet form and is popular because it works all day long. However, some diabetics may experience complaints, such as a strange taste in the mouth and various gastrointestinal complaints. This manifests itself with nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and a loss of appetite.
Tip: if you experience these complaints, take the medication with food. Pay attention to the use of metformin in combination with other medications. There are interactions that can lead to additional complaints. Do not drink too much alcohol. The combination of metformin and high alcohol intake can cause blood disorders.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
About three in ten diabetes patients who take metformin for a long time develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This can lead to neuropathy (nerve damage). Neuropathy is often incorrectly referred to as a direct result of diabetes or as a side effect of metformin, while it is actually caused by a vitamin deficiency. It is therefore advisable to perform a test that determines a possible deficiency of this drug. Your doctor can help with this. A vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented, among other things, with the help of nutritional supplements.
Metformin medicines
Last November, a number of metformin brands were recalled because the amount of NDMA was too high. An excess of this substance can be carcinogenic, although this risk is still minimal. However, health authorities have intervened as a precaution. All other brands have been checked and approved for safe use. Well-known brands that offer medicines with the active substance metformin are: Glucient, Metformax, Glucophage, Riomet, Glumetza, Fortamet, Janumet, Glucovance, Velmetia, Eucreas, Segluromet, Synjardy, Xigduo XR, Jentadueto, Competact, Kazano, Invokamet, Kombiglyze Avandamet, Prandimet, ActoPlus Met, Metaglip, Trijardy XR, Qternmet XR.
Does Metformin also exist in liquid form? This is a solution, especially for people who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Dear CME van Schelven, I advise you to ask your pharmacy about this. It appears to exist in liquid form.