Why You Should Stop Taking Metformin
- Severe side effects: Metformin can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. While these usually resolve within a few weeks, some people find them intolerable. In such cases, your doctor might switch you to a different medication or adjust your dosage.
- Kidney problems: Metformin works by clearing lactic acid from your body. But if your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they may not be able to clear the lactic acid effectively, leading to a potentially dangerous condition called lactic acidosis. Your doctor will closely monitor your kidney function while you’re on metformin, and might advise stopping it if your kidneys deteriorate.
- Certain medical conditions: If you have specific medical conditions like acute heart failure, severe infection, or liver disease, your doctor might temporarily stop your metformin until your condition improves.
It’s important to remember that these are all rare situations. Metformin is generally considered a safe and effective medication for most people with type 2 diabetes. In fact, it’s often the first-line treatment because of its low risk of side effects and its broad range of benefits, including:
- Lowering blood sugar levels
- Reducing the risk of diabetes complications like heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage
- Helping with weight management
Therefore, the potential benefits of metformin typically outweigh the risks.
If you’re concerned about any side effects or have questions about your metformin usage, please talk to your doctor. They can help you determine whether it’s still the right medication for you and address any concerns you may have.
Remember, never stop taking any medication, including metformin, without consulting your doctor first.