Glumetza Side Effects
Generic name: metformin
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 11, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Glumetza Side Effects associated with metformin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Glumetza.
Applies to metformin: oral solution, oral suspension extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, oral tablet extended release 24 hr.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Oral route (tablet; tablet, extended release; solution; suspension, extended release)
Death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias have been reported due to metformin-associated lactic acidosis.
Onset may be subtle and include nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgia, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal distress; laboratory abnormalities include low pH, increased anion gap and elevated blood lactate.
The risk of lactic acidosis increases with renal or hepatic impairment, aged 65 years or older, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery, or other procedures, hypoxic states, and excessive alcohol intake.
If lactic acidosis is suspected, metformin hydrochloride should be discontinued, supportive measures started in a hospital setting.
Prompt hemodialysis is recommended.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks that you take this medicine. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
This medicine may interact with the dye used for an X-ray or CT scan. Your doctor should advise you to stop taking it before you have any medical exams or diagnostic tests that might cause less urine output than usual. You may be advised to start taking the medicine again 48 hours after the exams or tests if your kidney function is tested and found to be normal.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
It is very important to carefully follow any instructions from your health care team about:
- Alcohol—Drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar. Discuss this with your health care team.
- Other medicines—Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription medicines such as aspirin, and medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.
- Counseling—Other family members need to learn how to prevent side effects or help with side effects if they occur. Also, patients with diabetes may need special counseling about diabetes medicine dosing changes that might occur with lifestyle changes, such as changes in exercise or diet. Counseling on birth control and pregnancy may be needed because of the problems that can occur in pregnancy for patients with diabetes.
- Travel—Keep a recent prescription and your medical history with you. Be prepared for an emergency as you would normally. Make allowances for changing time zones and keep your meal times as close as possible to your usual meal times.
- In case of emergency—There may be a time when you need emergency help for a problem caused by your diabetes. You need to be prepared for these emergencies. It is a good idea to wear a medical identification (ID) bracelet or neck chain at all times. Also, carry an ID card in your wallet or purse that says that you have diabetes and a list of all of your medicines.
Under certain conditions, too much metformin (the active ingredient contained in Glumetza) can cause lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are severe and quick to appear, and usually occur when other health problems not related to the medicine are present and are very severe, such as a heart attack or kidney failure. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include abdominal or stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, diarrhea, fast or shallow breathing, a general feeling of discomfort, severe muscle pain or cramping, and unusual sleepiness, tiredness, or weakness.
If symptoms of lactic acidosis occur, you should get immediate emergency medical help.
This medicine may cause some premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods to ovulate. This can increase the chance of pregnancy. If you are a woman of childbearing potential, you should discuss birth control options with your doctor.
This medicine may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This is more common when this medicine is taken together with certain medicines. Low blood sugar must be treated before it causes you to pass out (unconsciousness). People feel different symptoms of low blood sugar. It is important that you learn which symptoms you usually have so you can treat it quickly. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat low blood sugar.
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur if you do not take enough or skip a dose of your medicine, overeat or do not follow your meal plan, have a fever or infection, or do not exercise as much as usual. High blood sugar can be very serious and must be treated right away. It is important that you learn which symptoms you have in order to treat it quickly. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat high blood sugar.
High blood sugar may occur if you do not exercise as much as usual, have a fever or infection, do not take enough or skip a dose of your diabetes medicine, or overeat or do not follow your meal plan.
Serious side effects of Glumetza
Along with its needed effects, metformin 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 side effects
- 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 side effects
- 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 side effects
- behavior change similar to being drunk
- difficulty with concentrating
- drowsiness
- lack or loss of strength
- restless sleep
- unusual sleepiness
Other side effects of Glumetza
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 side effects
- 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 side effects
- 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 adverse events
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]
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References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Glucophage (metformin)." Bristol-Myers Squibb
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
4. (2014) "Product Information. Fortamet (metformin)." Physicians Total Care
5. (2014) "Product Information. Glumetza (metformin)." Biovail Pharmaceuticals Canada
6. (2014) "Product Information. Riomet (metformin)." Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals
Frequently asked questions
- How long does metformin take to work?
- When is the best time to take metformin?
- Can you take metformin without food?
- Why does Metformin smell like fish?
- How does metformin work?
- What are the ingredient drugs contained in Qternmet XR?
- What is the safest diabetes medication?
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Further information
Glumetza side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.