Riomet ER Side Effects

Generic name: metformin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 11, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Riomet ER Side Effects associated with metformin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Riomet ER.

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

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 Riomet ER) 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 Riomet ER

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:

Other side effects of Riomet ER

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:

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]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Can you take metformin without food?
• Why does Metformin smell like fish?
• How long does metformin take to work?
• When is the best time to take metformin?
• What is the safest diabetes medication?
• Why does metformin cause diarrhea?
• What is A1C? Normal vs dangerous levels, and how to lower It
• Does metformin lower A1C, if so how much?

Further information

Riomet ER 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.

Medical Disclaimer