Commonly Rx Drugs - Metformin

Question 1

What is Metformin?

Answer 1

Biguanide

Question 2

What is the indication of Metformin? (1)

Answer 2

T2DM
Polycystic ovary syndrome

Question 3

What does MHRA alert state about using Metformin? (1)

Answer 3

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be a common s/e in px treated with Metformin especially those receiving higher doses/longer tx duration and those with risk factors for vitamin V12 deficiency.

Question 4

What is the risk associated with Metformin?

Answer 4

Lactic acidosis

Question 5

What are the risk factors of lactic acidosis?

Answer 5

Caution in chronic stable HF (monitor cardiac function) and concomitant use of drugs that can acutely impair renal function; interrupt tx if dehydration occurs and avoid in conditions that can acutely worsen renal function or cause tissue hypoxia.