Metformin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Nov 10, 2023

Pros & Cons


Metformin Pros and Cons

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  • Metformin is a relatively inexpensive drug that is well tolerated by most patients.
  • Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-diabetic drugs in the world, and doctors have a good understanding of its benefits and risks. 
  • You can monitor your blood sugar levels to see if metformin is working. 
  • The medication can be used during pregnancy.

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  • Metformin can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as side effects. These symptoms usually go away over time. You can reduce these effects by taking metformin with food.
  • There is a rare but serious risk of lactic acidosis.