Q: What are the side effects of Metformin?

A: Side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal bloating
• Flatulence
• Anorexia (loss of appetite)

Usually the side effects depend on how much of the medicine you take, and they tend to lessen over time. If you start with a low dose and build up to the desired maintenance level, that may help.

The biggest risk, though very rare (1 in 33,000), of metformin is the possibility of a condition called 'lactic acidosis' (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood). Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling weak, muscle aches, trouble breathing, lightheaded or dizziness, or suddenly developing slow or irregular heartbeat. Call your doctor right away when you have any of these symptoms while on metformin/Glucophage.