|
Metformin Information
is a drug used to lower blood sugar levels in people with non-insulin-dependent
(type 2) diabetes.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Folic acid*
Vitamin B12
|
| May be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Calcium
|
Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity
of the medication in the body. |
Guar gum*
|
|
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Ginkgo biloba
|
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
DHEA
Magnesium
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Metformin Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
has been reported to increase blood levels of DHEA-sulfate in at least two
studies.1 2
Folic acid and Vitamin B12
therapy has been shown to deplete vitamin B12 and sometimes, but not
always,3 folic acid as well.4 This depletion occurs through the
interruption of a calcium-dependent mechanism. Supplementation with calcium has reversed this effect in a clinical
trial.5 People taking metformin should supplement vitamin B12 and folic acid or ask
their doctor to monitor folic acid and vitamin B12 levels.
Magnesium
In a study of patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, low blood levels of magnesium, and high
urine magnesium loss, metformin therapy was associated with reduced urinary magnesium losses
but no change in low blood levels of magnesium.6 Whether this interaction has
clinical importance remains unclear.
Guar gum
In a small, controlled study, guar gum plus metformin slowed the rate of metformin
absorption.7 In people with diabetes this interaction could reduce the blood
sugar–lowering effectiveness of metformin. Until more is known, metformin should be
taken two hours before or two hours after guar gum–containing supplements. It remains
unclear whether the small amounts of guar gum found in many processed foods is enough to
significantly affect metformin absorption.
Metformin Interactions with Herbs
Ginkgo
biloba
In a preliminary trial, administration of Ginkgo biloba extract (120 mg per day) for
three months to patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking oral anti-diabetes medication
resulted in a significant worsening of glucose tolerance. Ginkgo did not impair glucose
tolerance in individuals whose diabetes was controlled by diet.8 Individuals taking
oral anti-diabetes medication should consult a doctor before taking Ginkgo
biloba.
Metformin Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Food interferes with metformin absorption.9 10 11 Taking
metformin with food can reduce the absorption of the drug. Therefore, metformin should be
taken an hour before or two hours after a meal unless stomach upset occurs.
Alcohol
Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious side effect of metformin. Alcohol increases the
production of lactic acid caused by metformin, increasing the risk of lactic
acidosis.12 People taking metformin should avoid alcohol or consult with their
doctor before consuming alcohol.
|
|
Review Date: 3/10/2007
Medication: Metformin -  - Very Good
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 1000 mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: None
Other Products Taken: Actos, 45mg in morning. Metformin at noon and evening meals.
No noticable side effects while taking Metformin. I definitely think this medication is worth taking if needed or perscribed.
Anonymous
Martinsburg, WV USA
|
|
Review Date: 6/19/2007
Medication: Metformin -  - Stay Far Away
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 month but less than 3 months
Strength: 500 mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: Anxiety, Depression, Mood Swings, Loss of Energy, Increased Irritability, Increased Sleep, Made Me Nauseous
Other Products Taken: Vitamins
I have been having all kinds of reactions such as tiredness, nervousness, feeing "hyper" and I feel worse rather than better with Metformin.
Marion
California, USA
|
|
Review Date: 7/7/2007
Medication: Metformin - - Stay Far Away
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Less than 1 month
Strength: 500 mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: Headache, Dizziness, Dry Mouth, Nausea, Stomach Pain, Upset Stomach / Diarreha, Gave Me Gas or Made Me Bloated, Loss of Sleep, Loss of Energy, Loss of Sex Drive, Made Me Nauseous
Other Products Taken: Insulin, Cozaar, HCTZ, Nexium
I feel worse than I’ve ever felt. I just started taking metformin a week ago. Severe diarrhea, a pain in my right side about a palm’s length above the waist so intense that I can’t sleep and can barely walk, and a general achiness with slight fever. Taking more insulin is far more preferable to what I feel now. My doctor said that there would be some slight issues, he was wrong. I am stopping this medication and will deal with increases in insulin injections.
Mike T.
Amarillo, TX
USA
|
|
Review Date: 7/11/2007
Medication: Metformin -  - I Love It
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 2400 mg X 1 times per day
Other Products Taken: None
I have taken Metformin for 7 years for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.) Initially it will cause diarrhea and upset stomach, however in my case after 3 weeks these symptoms subsided. I found that taking it with food helped minimize the side effects. It has completely changed my life for the better.
Anonymous
New Jersey, USA
|
|
Review Date: 7/12/2007
Medication: Metformin - - Stay Far Away
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Less than 1 month
Strength: 500 mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: Anxiety, Dizziness, Nausea, Loss of Sleep, Loss of Energy, Made Me Nauseous
Other Products Taken: None
This drug made me feel very tired and nauseated constantly. The point was to bring my fasting blood sugar down which it only brought it down a couple of points (I have gestational diabetes). I quit taking it.
Lorayne Gothard
Houston, Texas
|
|
Review Date: 7/16/2007
Medication: Metformin - - Stay Far Away
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Less than 1 month
Strength: 500 mg X 3 times per day
Side Effects: Headache, Nausea, Stomach Pain, Upset Stomach / Diarreha, Gave Me Gas or Made Me Bloated, Loss of Energy, Made Me Nauseous
Other Products Taken: Vitamins
I just started taking Metformin and I have an upset stomach and can't concentrate. My body already feels tired. I am trying to stay with it, but I feel worse than I ever did. I'm taking it for PCOS, not diabetes. I am looking to drop the dosage and see if I can continue the therapy and see what happens.
Anonymous
Belize
Central America
|
|
Review Date: 8/5/2007
Medication: Metformin - - Very Good
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 1000 mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: None
Other Products Taken: Actos
I take the Metformin XR time released formula. It has worked very well for me by stabilizing my A1c levels. I am feeling much better. I would recommend that someone should try it. Perhaps the time released formula reduces some of the side effects. It has been very beneficial for me. I have been using it for over 4 years.
K. Williams
Denver, CO USA
|
|
Review Date: 8/28/2007
Medication: Metformin - - I Love It
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 500 mg X 2 times per day
Other Products Taken: Divion
I have been taking Metformin for 2 years and have had no major problems. Slight nausea . I really feel alot better since taking this.
Anonymous
Rockland, ME USA
|
|
Review Date: 12/1/2007
Medication: Metformin - - Stay Far Away
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Between 3 and 6 months
Strength: 500 mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: Nausea, Stomach Pain, Upset Stomach / Diarreha, Loss of Energy, Made Me Nauseous
Other Products Taken: Antidepressants, Relafen, Gabapenten
I experienced nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset. My Dr. wants me to increase it and get off insulin. I refuse to take Metformin anymore.
Judy
Wisconsin
|
|
Review Date: 1/5/2008
Medication: Metformin - - I Love It
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Between 6 and 12 months
Strength: 1000 mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: None
Other Products Taken: Cinnamon capsules
A year ago I was diagnosed with diabetes. I started taking Metformin and also started walking 40 minutes each day and followed the Diabetic diet. I lost 70 lbs. in one year. The Metformin was great. I had never had regular BMs until Metformin. Last month my doctor said I did not have Diabetes anymore. I was thrilled, but when he took me off of the Metformin I was sad. I no longer have regular BMs and once again suffer from constipation.
Anonymous
Texas, USA
|
|
Review Date: 3/13/2008
Medication: Metformin - - Stay Far Away
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Less than 1 month
Strength: 500mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: Anxiety, Dizziness, Dry Mouth, Nausea, Stomach Pain, Gave Me A Rash, Rapid Heartbeat, Upset Stomach / Diarreha, Gave Me Gas or Made Me Bloated, Loss of Sleep, Loss of Energy, Gave Me The Shakes
Other Products Taken: Multi-vitamin, VitA&D
So far, awful! The first week was severe diarrhea and slight fever, now it's been almost 3 weeks and i feel confused, still have a slight fever, and am having trouble sleeping but am very tired. I am also starting to develop a rash, possible allergy or side effect?
(Taking for PCOS)
conny
Calgary, AC Canada
|
|
Review Date: 8/8/2008
Medication: Metformin - - Very Good
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 month
Strength: 500 MG X 2 times per day
Side Effects: Dry Mouth, Gave Me Gas or Made Me Bloated
Other Products Taken: Cymbalta, Pravastatin, Norvasc, Liscinapril, Eye Vitamin,Calcium+ D, Muscalex generic,
I am a type 2 diabetic for over 15 years. Recently my diabetese became unmanageable and I was changed from Glyberide to Metformin two months ago. The process is slow but the numbers seem to be coming down especially in the morning. I will return for blood work in Oct. and hope that insulin won't be needed to manage my diabetese. I have had very few side affects with this drug.
Mary Edwards
Texas, USA
|
|
Review Date: 9/1/2008
Medication: Metformin -  - Below Average
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Less than 1 month
Strength: 500mg X 2 times per day
Side Effects: Anxiety, Dizziness, Nausea, Stomach Pain, Gave Me Gas or Made Me Bloated, Loss of Appetite, Weight Loss
Other Products Taken: Diovan, Albuterol
I have just started taking Metformin for Type II Diabetes and have only been on it a week. Almost instantly had almost every side effect noted on the print out my pharmisist gave me, as well as a a couple of side effects not listed. I ended up going to the emergency room for severe muscle cramping throughout my body and I still have that now, even though my bloodwork came back ok. I can deal with the leg cramps, but I am also getting cramps in my face, necks, jaw, forehead and shoulders that is just driving me up the wall, it is so painful! The ER told me to take Motrin, but that's doing no good.
Jackie
Bayside, NY USA
|
|
Review Date: 9/19/2008
Medication: Metformin - - Stay Far Away
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Less than 1 month
Strength: 500 mg X 1 times per day
Side Effects: Dizziness, Nausea, Stomach Pain, Rapid Heartbeat, Upset Stomach / Diarreha, Gave Me Gas or Made Me Bloated, Loss of Energy, Increased Sleep, Made Me Nauseous, Gave Me The Shakes
Other Products Taken:
This is the second time I try to take Metformin. The first time I tried, I was taking 1 pill a day. I experienced severe stomach cramps and painful bowel movements as well as constant nausea. I was especially sleepy and tired but my nurse denied Metformin could do that. The GI symptoms subsided in severity so I went up to 2x day. On the fifth day my boss sent me home as I hadn't been able to do much at work that entire week. I was a sick mess; spent the next couple of days in bed sleeping it off and refused to take it again. Decided to give it another try because we really want to have a child and my husband says I gave up too easily. This time, the first week wasn't too bad, same side effects but not as bad. I took it with food and drank ginger tea. I thought I was set! Second week, severe fatigue set in, I was sleepy all the time no matter how much sleep I got. I was dizzy and nauseous and bloated beyond belief. My doctor took me off it, said it wasn't worth it. I know of people who take it and do very well. I guess you have to take it to find out how you'll react to it and then go from there.
Cloester
Boston, Ma USA
|
|
Review Date: 10/9/2008
Medication: Metformin - - Below Average
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Between 3 and 6 months
Strength: 1500 X 1 times per day
Side Effects: Nausea, Stomach Pain, Upset Stomach / Diarreha, Loss of Appetite, Increased Energy, Made Me Nauseous
Other Products Taken: Yaz
I took Metformin for PCOS for 3 1/2 months before being hospitalized for pancreatitis. After recovering, I took one small (500 mg) dose to try it out, and the severe pain and nausea immediately came back, and convinced me that was the cause of my pancreatitis. The drug worked well for me in that I lost 25 lbs in that time period, but the nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea only got worse and worse. From research, I think those symptoms are supposed to go away. See your doctor if they don't!
Amy
Tennessee, USA
|
|
Review Date: 10/10/2008
Medication: Metformin - - Very Good
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Between 3 and 6 months
Strength: 2000 mg X 1 times per day
Side Effects: Nausea, Upset Stomach / Diarreha, Weight Loss
Other Products Taken: No
I have insulin resistance & have been taking Metformin for about 4 months now. I had a few side effects when I first stared taking the medication. After a few weeks they subsided. I had to double my dosage after 3 months, as it didn't bring my insulin levels down at all yet. I hope this will start working soon. I am taking the XR. I think that helps with the side effects.
Joy Keesler
Ohio USA
|
|
Review Date: 10/21/2008
Medication: Metformin - - Below Average
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: Between 6 and 12 months
Strength: X 2 times per day
Side Effects: Depression, Headache, Dry Mouth, Nausea, Stomach Pain, Upset Stomach / Diarreha, Loss of Energy, Increased Appetite
Other Products Taken:
Metformin makes me feel awful. No diabetes, no PCOS, just 100 lbs overweight. I've been taking it since Feb 2008 - little over 8 months, and whereas initially I saw great results, now I'm sleepy and tired all of the time. I watch my carbs very carefully, I know GI upset comes with 'carby' or 'fatty' food days but it seems lately, regardless of what I've eaten I have abdominal pain. My nails are brittle and peel/break easily. My hair is dull and dry. I'm sick of this. I'm going AMA and discontinuing my doses immediately. I'm going get my big butt up and on the treadmill each and every day until the weight is off. Taking meds is not worth it.
Good luck ladies.
Anonymous
California, USA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blood Sugar Balance by Ridgecrest
"Excellent Product: I am taking both insulin and 2 types of pills and my sugar levels had been all over the chart. However, when I started ..." |
|
|
|
|
SHOP For Metformin By Category
Like eVitamins? Become A Fan Today!
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
Please read the
disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on
the information in this article.
Learn more about Healthnotes, the
company.
Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines
with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. The "reviews" listed for any medical condition, prescription drug, condition or symtpom is provided specifically from eVitamins and is not associated with healthnotes.
References:
Click
here to view references
|
|
Cart: 0 items 
Checkout
