No, metformin should not make you feel cold specifically. However, some people taking metformin may experience side effects that can make them feel cold. Common side effects of metformin include feeling weak or tired, stomach and digestive issues, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.
While none of these symptoms are directly related to feeling cold, certain people may feel colder due to these side effects. In addition, some people taking metformin may have an underlying medical condition that may cause them to feel colder while taking metformin.
If you are routinely feeling cold while taking metformin, you should talk to your doctor to evaluate whether metformin could be the cause or if there may be an unrelated medical issue that needs to be addressed.
What is the most common side effect of metformin?
The most common side effect of metformin is gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and stomach pain. This can be alleviated by taking the medication with food, or in divided doses throughout the day.
Other common side effects include a metallic taste in the mouth and decreased appetite. Less common side effects, which rarely require medical attention, include headache, blurred vision, back pain, and chest discomfort.
Some patients may experience additional uncommon side effects, such as hair loss, red or itchy skin, a sore throat, or muscle pain. If any of these side effects are especially bothersome or unusual, it is important to contact a healthcare professional for advice.
What are the dangers of taking metformin?
Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug that is used to help prevent diabetes from developing and to help regulate blood glucose levels. Although it is a generally safe and effective medication, there are some dangers associated with taking metformin.
These include the potential to develop lactic acidosis, which is a life-threatening condition caused by the buildup of lactic acid in the body; a decrease in vitamin B12 levels; vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort; and, rarely, a severe allergic reaction.
Taking metformin with certain other drugs can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. This is why it’s important to inform your doctor about all of the medications you are taking. Other drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, and certain antibiotics can also increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Metformin can also interact with other medications and supplements and can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. It’s especially important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include fatigue, headache, hunger, confusion, sweating, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.
In addition, people who have liver or kidney disease, or who are elderly or taking other medications (such as diuretics or steroids) should talk to their doctor before taking metformin. It is also important to talk to your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have, such as anemia or congestive heart failure, which can increase your risk of lactic acidosis while taking metformin.
Finally, adults are advised to stay hydrated when taking metformin and to check their urine for ketones if they experience unexplained unexplained nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain while taking the drug.
In summary, while metformin is typically a safe and effective medication, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with taking it. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any medical conditions or concerns you may have in order to minimize the risk of serious side effects.
What are the long term effects of metformin on the body?
The long term effects of metformin on the body can be both positive and negative depending on the individual. Generally, long term use of metformin has been associated with an overall reduction in mortality rates, a reduction in fasting glucose levels, and a reduction in the risk of developing diabetes.
Additionally, studies have suggested that long term use of metformin can decrease the risk of developing certain types of cancer, as well as other age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
However, long term use of metformin has been associated with a number of potential side effects. The most common of these include stomach upset, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth. In more extreme cases, metformin can cause a type of vitamin B12 deficiency, known as lactic acidosis.
Additionally, long term use of metformin has been linked to a decrease in kidney function, although further studies are needed to confirm this.
Overall, the long term effects of metformin are largely positive, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication in order to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Who should avoid taking metformin?
Metformin is a prescription oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, and should be avoided by anyone with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications. Individuals who should not take metformin include those with kidney or liver issues, those with congestive heart failure, and those that are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Additionally, individuals who are taking insulin or other diabetic medications, birth control pills, estrogen, or diuretics should avoid taking metformin. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions to ensure that a different type of medication would be safe and effective.
It is also important to make sure that any new medications, medical conditions, or lifestyle changes are discussed with your healthcare provider before beginning metformin.
How many years can you take metformin?
Metformin is a medication prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. It is typically taken once or twice daily. Generally, it is considered safe and effective to take metformin for years, as long as it is taken in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
The duration of time for which metformin can safely be taken varies from person to person, and your doctor will best be able to advise you how long you should be taking metformin based on your personal medical history.
Additionally, regularly scheduled blood sugar levels can help to ensure that metformin is working and that your diabetes is under control. Finally, you should contact your doctor if you experience any changes in your blood sugar levels or any side effects, as he or she might recommend to adjust or discontinue your metformin use.
Is metformin hard on your heart?
Metformin is generally considered safe, but it can have adverse effects on the heart since it affects blood sugar levels. Research has indicated that metformin may cause or worsen existing heart conditions in some individuals.
It is important to talk with a health care provider if concerns arise regarding its use and potential impacts on heart health.
Metformin can cause a decrease in the amount of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream, which in some cases, can lead to decreased oxygen in the bloodstream. This can have a negative effect on the heart, as the heart needs an adequate amount of oxygen to properly function.
In addition, it has also been noted that metformin may cause a decrease in the amount of potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can lead to an irregular heart rhythm and palpitations.
It is also important to note that individuals with certain heart conditions may have an increased risk of heart problems while taking metformin. People with congestive heart failure, heart ischemia, or diabetes should speak to their doctor before taking the medication.
Overall, metformin can be hard on the heart if the individual has a pre-existing heart condition or the medication is not handled properly. Individuals should consult with a health care provider to evaluate their specific risks and ensure that the medication is being taken correctly.
What happens if you stop metformin suddenly?
If you suddenly stop taking metformin, you may experience a range of side effects. These can include increased sugar levels, increased hunger, vomiting, weakness, and confusion. Stopping metformin can also cause a sudden increase in your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
Your health care provider may advise you to reduce your dose slowly, rather than stopping it suddenly. If you must stop your metformin treatment, talk to your doctor about the best way of doing so to minimize risks.
You should also be sure to continue taking regular tests to measure your blood sugar levels and other important indicators of your health.
What makes metformin side effects worse?
Metformin side effects may become worse if certain conditions are not monitored properly. For example, they may become more pronounced if the patient is taking other medications that interfere with metformin, such as certain antibiotics, seizure medications, and heart or blood pressure medications.
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can also worsen metformin side effects, since metformin works by reducing the amount of glucose that is released into the bloodstream. Drinking alcohol or failing to eat regularly can have a similar effect.
Finally, some people may have an increased sensitivity to metformin, which increases their risk of severe side effects. It is important to talk to a doctor about the best way to manage metformin side effects.
Does metformin damage your liver?
No, metformin does not damage the liver. In general, it is very well tolerated with few reported side effects, and the most commonly reported side effect is gastrointestinal upset. Metformin is a widely prescribed first-line drug for type 2 diabetes.
When taken as prescribed, metformin has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective, and it is not known to cause liver damage. However, it is important to note that metformin can interact with some medications, and people with certain chronic conditions, such as impaired liver function, can have an increased risk of liver damage when taking metformin.
Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare team to ensure that metformin is safe and appropriate for you.
Can metformin cause flushing?
Yes, metformin can cause flushing. Flushing is a common side effect of metformin and is typically described as a redness of the face and neck, sensations of warmth and burning, and/or sensation of tingling or itching.
It is most common at the start of treatment with metformin and usually gradually decreases over time as the body adjusts to the medication. If you experience flushing while taking metformin, it is important to talk to your doctor since it could be a sign of dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Other side effects of metformin include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, and temporary taste changes.
Does diabetes medicine cause hot flashes?
No, diabetes medicine typically does not cause hot flashes. Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause and are caused by hormone fluctuations. If a person takes diabetes medication, it usually doesn’t affect their hormones, therefore it will not cause hot flashes.
However, some diabetes medications like Metformin have been known to cause mild side effects such as hot flashes, but this is rare. It is always best to check with your doctor before taking any medication and discuss any potential side effects.
Additionally, if you are experiencing hot flashes it is important to let your doctor know, as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or thyroid imbalance, or even menopause.
How can you tell metformin is working?
Typically, you can tell that metformin is working if you experience a decrease in blood sugar levels. Depending on why you are taking metformin, you may also have other physical or lifestyle changes that indicate that it is working.
For example, if you are taking metformin to manage your PCOS symptoms, you may experience regular menstrual periods instead of infrequent or absent periods. Additionally, if you are taking metformin to lose weight, you may notice gradual changes in your body composition.
While it is important to track your blood sugar levels when taking metformin, it is also important to remember that some people may not experience changes in blood sugar levels until several weeks or even months into taking the medication.
If you have any questions or worries about how metformin is affecting your body, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider.
Does diabetes cause face flushing?
No, diabetes does not cause face flushing, however it can be a symptom of diabetes in some cases. Diabetes, or lack of Insulin, can cause the body’s blood sugar levels to become too high, which can lead to a build-up of blood acids called ketones.
As the body tries to flush out these acids, symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting can occur. In some cases, this can also result in flushing of the face. Additionally, extremely high blood sugar levels can lead to feeling weak and thirsty, and cause the skin to blush or flush.
If flushing of the face is experienced in addition to other diabetes related symptoms, it’s important to talk to a doctor and get a diagnosis.