What not to take with metformin?

Other things to avoid while on metformin
corticosteroids, such as prednisone. blood pressure medication, such as amlodipine (Norvasc) anticonvulsants, such as topiramate (Topamax) and zonisamide (Zonegran) oral contraceptives.


What drugs should metformin not be taken with?

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

They include diuretics like acetazolamide and methazolamide. They also include seizure medications like topiramate (Topamax) and zonisamide (Zonegran). These medications can interact with metformin by raising the risk of a medical condition called lactic acidosis.

Does anything interfere with metformin?

Most common metformin interactions

Iodinated contrast (used in imaging tests) Certain anticancer drugs (specifically vandetanib and drugs that fall under the class called tyrosine kinase inhibitors) Some antimicrobial drugs (such as cephalexin and rifampin) Alcohol (but only in excessive amounts)


What vitamins does metformin interact with?

Metformin therapy has been shown to deplete vitamin B12, and sometimes, but not always, folic acid as well. People taking metformin should supplement vitamin B12 and folic acid or ask their doctor to monitor folic acid and vitamin B12 levels.

When should metformin not be taken?

This medicine is not recommended in patients 80 years of age and older who have kidney problems.


How to take METFORMIN | What All Patients Need to Know | Dose, Side Effects & More



What 10 foods should diabetics avoid?

10 foods to avoid if you have diabetes
  • Processed meats. ...
  • Full-fat dairy products. ...
  • Packaged snacks and processed baked goods. ...
  • White carbohydrates. ...
  • Sweetened breakfast cereals. ...
  • Dried fruits. ...
  • French fries. ...
  • Higher-fat cuts of meat.


What are the two most common side effects of metformin?

Common side effects
  • Feeling sick (nausea) Take metformin with food to reduce the chances of feeling sick. ...
  • Being sick (vomiting) Take small, frequent sips of water or squash to avoid dehydration. ...
  • Diarrhoea. ...
  • Stomach ache. ...
  • Loss of appetite. ...
  • A metallic taste in the mouth.


What vitamins should diabetics avoid?

6 vitamins and supplements that interact with diabetes medications
  • Niacin. Niacin (vitamin B3) is found in many foods, such as beef, chicken, and marinara sauce. ...
  • St. John's wort. ...
  • Ginseng. Ginseng is a plant that's been used for thousands of years in medicine. ...
  • Aloe vera. ...
  • Ginkgo biloba. ...
  • Ginger.


Should I take B12 if I take metformin?

But in some cases, metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Your healthcare provider should monitor your vitamin B12 levels if you are taking metformin. You don't always need to take a vitamin B12 supplement if you're taking metformin.

Is it OK to take B12 with metformin?

Should you take a supplement? Messer says taking a supplement can treat the deficiency and prevent further nerve damage while still taking metformin as prescribed. A normal B12 level is considered anywhere between 190 and 900 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), but Messer suggests treating any level below 300 ng/mL.

What is the best time of day to take metformin?

It's best to take metformin tablets with, or just after, your evening meal to reduce the chance of getting side effects. Swallow your metformin tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.


What harm can metformin cause?

Under certain conditions, too much metformin 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.

Does metformin block carbs or sugar?

Metformin is the most prescribed antidiabetic medication. One suggested mechanism of action is by decreasing carbohydrate absorption. It is usually recommended to take metformin during the meal to decrease gastrointestinal side effects.

What fruits should diabetics avoid?

Diabetics should avoid fruits with a high GI or eat them in moderation so that their blood sugar levels do not spike abruptly. Pineapple, watermelon, mango, lychee, and banana have a high GI, so these are the worst fruits if you are diabetic.


Why should you not take metformin on an empty stomach?

Metformin should be taken with meals to help reduce stomach or bowel side effects that may occur during the first few weeks of treatment. Swallow the tablet or extended-release tablet whole with a full glass of water.

Can I take Tylenol with metformin?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between metformin and Tylenol.

What are the symptoms of lacking B12?

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
  • a pale yellow tinge to your skin.
  • a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
  • mouth ulcers.
  • pins and needles (paraesthesia)
  • changes in the way that you walk and move around.
  • disturbed vision.
  • irritability.
  • depression.


How much B12 should I take a day with metformin?

All individuals age 14 or higher need 2.4 mcg B12 daily. Women who are pregnant or nursing will need slightly more. Mandatory supplementation with B12 has now been proposed for those taking metformin. Taking a daily multivitamin containing 100% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin B12 will do the trick.

How much B12 should a diabetic take?

In adult patients with T2DM, intra muscular or oral vitamin B12 in doses of 1000 μg daily for a week then once every week for 4 weeks are sufficient to correct vitamin B12 deficiency [46,47].

What drink lowers blood sugar?

Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk ( 20 , 21 ). Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best.


What is the best vitamin for diabetics?

What are the best vitamins for people with diabetes?
  • Thiamin (b1) Those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are more likely to have lower blood levels of thiamin and usually suffer a higher risk of thiamin deficiency than people who don't have diabetes. ...
  • Vitamin B12. ...
  • Vitamin D. ...
  • Magnesium. ...
  • Vitamin E. ...
  • Vitamin C.


What is a life threatening A1C level?

Dangerous levels of A1C are 9% and higher. An A1C above 9% increases the risk of long-term diabetes complications like blindness, nerve damage, and kidney failure. 1 Under 7% is considered good diabetes control. In non-diabetics, A1C levels stay below 5.7%.

How can you tell metformin is working?

How to check if metformin is working. A medical provider can run a few tests to see how metformin is affecting your health: Blood work can check if your glucose, insulin, and HbA1C levels are in range. If they are, the medication is working.


How does metformin make you feel?

The most common side effects are feeling and being sick, diarrhoea, stomach ache and loss of appetite. Vitamin B12 deficiency is also a common side effect of taking metformin in higher doses or for long periods. Metformin does not cause weight gain, unlike some other diabetes medicines.

What body system does metformin affect the most?

Metformin helps to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It decreases the amount of glucose you absorb from your food and the amount of glucose made by your liver. Metformin also increases your body's response to insulin, a natural substance that controls the amount of glucose in the blood.