Common side effects
The NHS lists common side effects of metformin as:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
- A metallic taste in the mouth
It also warned the drug can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency and low blood sugar for which you may need to speak to your doctor.
When to call 999
In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to metformin. The NHS said you should call 999 now if:
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
- A child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
The NHS added: “You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.”
For more information, visit the NHS website
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