Lactic Acidosis
Glumetza can rarely cause lactic acidosis, a serious buildup of lactic acid in the blood.
The risk is higher in people with significant kidney problems, severe liver disease, certain heart conditions, dehydration, or heavy alcohol use.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms such as severe weakness, unusual tiredness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort.
Low Blood Sugar
Glumetza by itself usually does not cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
However, low blood sugar can occur if Glumetza is taken with other diabetes medicines such as insulin or sulfonylureas.
Symptoms may include sweating, shakiness, hunger, dizziness, weakness, or confusion.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Long-term use of metformin can lower vitamin B12 levels in some people.
A deficiency may lead to anemia, numbness, tingling, weakness, or other nerve-related symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may check your vitamin B12 level periodically, especially if you have symptoms or other risk factors.
Kidney Problems
Glumetza is removed from the body mainly through the kidneys.
If kidney function is reduced, metformin can build up in the body and increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Your healthcare provider may check your kidney function before treatment and regularly afterward. Glumetza may need to be stopped if kidney function becomes too low.
Liver Problems
Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver disease.
Severe liver problems can increase the risk of lactic acidosis because the liver helps process lactate.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a different treatment if your liver function is significantly impaired.
Iodinated Contrast for Imaging Tests
Some CT scans, angiograms, and other imaging procedures use iodinated contrast dye.
In certain situations, this contrast can temporarily affect kidney function and increase the risk of metformin buildup.
Your healthcare provider may tell you to temporarily stop Glumetza before or at the time of the procedure and restart it only after your kidney function has been checked.
Surgery and Medical Procedures
You may need to temporarily stop Glumetza before major surgery or certain medical procedures, especially if you will not be eating normally or may become dehydrated.
Always tell your healthcare team that you take metformin before a planned procedure.
Older Adults
Older adults can use Glumetza, but kidney function should be monitored carefully because kidney function may decline with age.
The main concern is not age alone, but whether the kidneys can remove metformin safely.
Use in Children
The safety and effectiveness of Glumetza have not been established in patients under 18 years of age.
A pediatric healthcare provider should determine the most appropriate diabetes treatment for children or adolescents.
Drug Interactions
Glumetza can interact with certain medications.
Some medicines may affect blood sugar levels, kidney function, or the amount of metformin in the body.
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you use.
Regular Monitoring
While taking Glumetza, your healthcare provider may monitor your blood sugar, A1C, kidney function, and vitamin B12 levels.
Regular follow-up helps make sure the medication remains safe and effective.
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