What Is Metformin Used For? Benefits & Uses Explained

Introduction

Metformin hydrochloride, commonly known as Metformin and available under different brand names in the USA, is the most widely prescribed oral antihyperglycemic drug (prescribed for type 2 diabetes). What is Metformin Used For? Metformin Hydrochloride is a drug that helps control blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This medicine is often used in conjunction with diet and exercise to achieve the best results.

Commonly sold under the brand names Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, etc., a key characteristic of this inexpensive yet effective anti-diabetic medicine is that it has few side effects.

Mechanism of Action

Metformin’s primary mechanisms of action are:

• Reduces hepatic glucose production: It inhibits gluconeogenesis, the process by which the liver produces glucose, which helps decrease blood sugar levels.
• Increases insulin sensitivity: Metformin makes the body’s tissues more responsive to insulin, which aids in better glucose uptake and utilization.
• Decreases intestinal glucose absorption: Metformin can also reduce the amount of glucose absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after meals, thus helping lower post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Finger-prick free glucose monitoring is just one side of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. The CGM sensors offer low & high glucose alerts, automatic insulin delivery (AID) system compatibility and more. Check your eligibility now.

Available Potencies, Forms, and Release Options

Metformin is available in multiple forms, strengths, and release options, allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatment to the patient’s specific needs, tolerability, and lifestyle. Here’s an overview of common brands, available forms, and potencies:

Forms and Release Options

1. Immediate-Release Tablets: These are typically taken 2–3 times daily, with meals, to minimise gastrointestinal side effects.
2. Extended-Release Tablets: Taken once daily, usually with the evening meal, to provide a slower release of the medication and reduce side effects like nausea and upset stomach.
3. Oral Solution: A liquid formulation that can be an alternative for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets.

Storage Instructions

Store metformin in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it out of reach of children and do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Metformin hydrochloride.
• Inactive Ingredients: May include hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethene glycol, and other excipients, depending on the brand and formulation.

Important: Immediately discontinue Metformin Hydrochloride if you notice any symptoms of Lactic acidosis. These symptoms include malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain.

Can Metformin Help with Weight Loss?

Metformin is primarily prescribed for managing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, there is evidence suggesting that metformin may help some individuals with weight loss or prevent significant weight gain associated with diabetes medications.

How Metformin Affects Weight:

• Modest Weight Loss: Several studies indicate that metformin can result in modest weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes, especially in those who are overweight or obese. This is generally due to its ability to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce appetite, and decrease the absorption of glucose from food.
• Reduction in Appetite: Metformin is known to influence appetite regulation by affecting hormones related to hunger and satiety. As a result, some people may experience reduced cravings for food, particularly for carbohydrates.
• Weight Stabilization: While not typically a weight-loss drug, metformin may help prevent weight gain, which is a common issue with other diabetes medications like insulin and sulfonylureas.

Did you know?

Freestyle Libre 3 Plus is the smallest CGM sensor in the world with AID compatibility.

Is Metformin a Weight Loss Solution?

It’s important to note that metformin is not a weight loss drug and should not be used solely for weight management. Its weight-related benefits are typically observed in people who are already managing type 2 diabetes and may vary depending on individual responses

Health Conditions to Consider

Metformin is not suitable for everyone. It is essential to take several factors into account before prescribing it, including:

• Renal (Kidney) Function: Metformin should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²), as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Liver Disease: Caution is required in patients with liver disease, as Metformin is metabolized in the liver.
• Heart Failure: Metformin should be used cautiously in individuals with heart failure or a history of myocardial infarction.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of lactic acidosis, so Metformin should be avoided in individuals who consume alcohol heavily.
• History of Lactic Acidosis: Patients with a history of lactic acidosis should not be given Metformin due to the risk of recurrence.

Common Drug Interactions

Metformin may interact with several drugs, leading to potential changes in effectiveness or increased risk of side effects:

• Corticosteroids: May increase blood glucose levels and counteract Metformin’s effect.
• Diuretics: Can affect renal function and increase Metformin’s potential for adverse effects.
• Iodinated Contrast Agents: These can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, and Metformin should be temporarily stopped before and after imaging procedures.
• Other Anti-diabetic Drugs: When used together with other diabetes medications (e.g., sulfonylureas, insulin), blood glucose levels should be closely monitored.

Important: Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) during Pregnancy is recommended to be treated with Insulin. According to the Glucophage FDA label, Metformin hydrochloride should not be used unless required.

Side Effects of Metformin

Although Metformin is generally well-tolerated, there are potential side effects, including:

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Stomach discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste

Serious Side Effects (Rare but Severe):

Lactic Acidosis: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if Metformin builds up in the body. Symptoms include muscle pain, breathing difficulties, and dizziness.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Prolonged use may impair vitamin B12 absorption, leading to deficiency.

Regular monitoring and adherence to the prescribed dosage can minimize the risks associated with these side effects.

Conclusion:

This blog answers a common question: ‘What is Metformin Used For?’ Available under different brand names in the USA, Metformin is an inexpensive yet effective drug for treating type 2 diabetes. It is used as a first-line treatment and has a few mild side effects, with some severe effects (although rare) such as lactic acidosis. As an off-label drug, it is sometimes used to treat PCOS as well.

Frequently Asked Questions