Metformin — Safety Information

Metformin is an oral prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as biguanides. It is commonly used to help regulate blood glucose levels by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin and decreasing glucose production in the liver. Metformin may also be prescribed off-label by licensed clinicians for other purposes such as metabolic health or weight management, based on individual patient needs.

Important Safety Information

• Use only as prescribed by your licensed clinician.
  
  
• Do not share your medication with others.
  
  
• Report any side effects to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
  
  
• Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
  
  
  
  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or fatigue
    
    
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    
    
  • Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting that does not resolve
    
    
  • Dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or feeling cold
    
    
  • Symptoms of lactic acidosis (a rare but serious side effect of metformin)
    
    
• Common side effects may include mild gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal discomfort. These effects often improve with time or dose adjustment.
  
  

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Always inform your primary care provider and all other healthcare professionals about every prescription, over-the-counter medication, and supplement you take.
This helps prevent drug interactions and ensures safe, coordinated care across your treatment plan.

Warnings and Precautions

• Do not use if you have severe kidney disease, metabolic acidosis, or a known allergy to metformin or any ingredient in the formulation.
  
  
• Inform your clinician if you consume alcohol regularly, have liver disease, or plan to undergo imaging procedures that involve contrast dye, as these factors may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
  
  
• Use caution if you have heart failure, dehydration, or other medical conditions that may affect kidney function.
  
  
• Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with your clinician.
  
  
• Always follow your clinician’s instructions on dosage and timing.
  
  

Drug Interactions

Metformin may interact with:

• Alcohol, which increases the risk of lactic acidosis
  
  
• Contrast media used in imaging tests
  
  
• Certain diuretics and blood pressure medications
  
  
• Corticosteroids or hormonal therapies that affect glucose levels
  
  
• Other diabetes medications that can enhance blood sugar-lowering effects
  Always provide your prescriber with a complete list of medications, supplements, and vitamins.
  
  

Use and Administration

• Take metformin by mouth exactly as prescribed, usually with meals to minimize stomach upset.
  
  
• Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets.
  
  
• Maintain consistent diet and exercise habits as advised by your clinician.
  
  
• Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
  
  
• Keep out of reach of children.
  
  

FDA and Compounding Disclaimer

Some medications offered through our platform may include compounded products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA does not verify the safety or effectiveness of compounded drugs, including Metformin. Our specialists may prescribe this medication off-label from its originally approved use based on clinical judgment and patient need.

Last Updated: October 7, 2025

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