Metformin(Brand names: Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet)How It Works Metformin (brand names: glucophage, fortamet, glumetza, riomet) is a type 2 diabetes drug in a class called biguanides. It helps in type 2 diabetes in several ways: 1. decreases the liver's ability to make glucose, 2. decreases the intestines ability to absorb glucose, and 3. increases body tissue's sensitivity to insulin. All of these thing decrease blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Pros For people with type 2 diabetes, this is often a first line drug. In people who are beginning to have abnormal blood sugar levels, metformin was associated with an extra 4.4 lbs weight loss compared to diet changes alone. Several antipsychotic medicines have weight gain as a side effect. One study showed that adding metformin helped recently diagnosed schizophrenics lose weight after being started on an antipsychotic. It is also fairly cheap compared to several other medicines. Cons This drug can have dangerous side effects, and people who take it should be monitored by a doctor. One rare, but potentially serious, side effect is lactic acidosis. People with heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, and undergoing physical stress are at increased risk for side effects and should discuss this with their doctors. Some other side effects can include metallic taste, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Because metformin lowers blood sugar, having your blood sugar go too low is also a possible side effect. Other comments In studies done on weight loss with these medicines, a diet or other lifestyle modifications were given along with the medicine. Diet and exercise are the mainstays of weight loss plans.Return to Home Page or Weight Loss Drugs. It is important you discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program. In addition, the dosage of any medicine may be different if it is used for weight loss and not its FDA approved indication. You should also discuss this with your doctor. This article was written by John Vickery, MD.References Treatment Guidelines from the Medical Letter 2008;6:23-28 Lexi Comp database accessed on 5/24/08 |