Glucophage Side Effects

Generic name: metformin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 12, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about metformin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Glucophage.

Applies to metformin: oral solution, oral suspension extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, oral tablet extended release 24 hr.

Serious side effects of Glucophage

Along with its needed effects, metformin (the active ingredient contained in Glucophage) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking metformin:

More common

• Abdominal or stomach discomfort
• cough or hoarseness
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• fast or shallow breathing
• fever or chills
• general feeling of discomfort
• lower back or side pain
• muscle pain or cramping
• painful or difficult urination
• sleepiness

Less common

• Anxiety
• blurred vision
• chest discomfort
• cold sweats
• coma
• confusion
• cool, pale skin
• depression
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of warmth
• headache
• increased hunger
• increased sweating
• nausea
• nervousness
• nightmares
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• seizures
• shakiness
• slurred speech
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

• Behavior change similar to being drunk
• difficulty with concentrating
• drowsiness
• lack or loss of strength
• restless sleep
• unusual sleepiness

Other side effects of Glucophage

Some side effects of metformin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• bloated
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• full feeling
• heartburn
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• metallic taste in the mouth
• passing of gas
• stomachache
• stomach upset or pain
• vomiting
• weight loss

Less common

• Abnormal stools
• bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• change in taste
• difficulty with moving
• discoloration of the fingernails or toenails
• flu-like symptoms
• joint pain
• rash
• sneezing
• stuffy or runny nose
• swollen joints

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to metformin: compounding powder, oral solution, oral suspension extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General

Gastrointestinal events such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite have been frequently reported during therapy initiation and resolve spontaneously in most cases.

Adverse events in the pediatric population appear to be similar in nature and severity to that published in adults.^[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Hypoglycemia

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Lactic acidosis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (53.2%), nausea/vomiting (25.5%), flatulence (12.1%)

Common (1% to 10%): Indigestion, abdominal discomfort, abnormal stools, dyspepsia, loss of appetite^[Ref]

Hematologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Subnormal vitamin B12 levels^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, chills, flu syndrome, accidental injury^[Ref]

Hepatic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Liver function test abnormalities, hepatitis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Chest discomfort, flushing, palpitation^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Rash, nail disorder, increased sweating

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Erythema, pruritus, urticaria^[Ref]

Endocrine

Frequency not reported: Reduction in thyrotropin (TSH) levels^[Ref]

Immunologic

Very common (10% or more): Infection (20.5%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Lightheadedness, taste disturbances^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Headache^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Rhinitis^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• How long does metformin take to work?
• Can you take metformin without food?
• Why does Metformin smell like fish?
• How long does glucophage/Metformin stay in your system?
• What are the ingredient drugs contained in Qternmet XR?
• When is the best time to take metformin?
• What is the safest diabetes medication?
• Why does metformin cause diarrhea?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer