Contraindications

• Metformin should not be taken if you have kidney problems or if you have ketoacidosis, which is a condition where ketones are in the body in high quantities, which can lead to diabetic coma or death. If you have a history of cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease, there can be a higher risk of lactic acidosis.
  
  

Risks

• Metformin can cause lactic acidosis and may be shown by fatigue or drowsiness, weakness, slowed heart rate, feeling of cold, stomach pain, shortness of breath, muscle pain, light headedness and fainting. Some who are prescribed metformin have severe drops in blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia, which results in headaches, confusion, tremors, fatigue, weakness, irritability, hunger, high heartbeat and coma.
  
  

Pregnancy

• The Food and Drug Administration has categorized metformin as a category b drug, which means it can be a risk to an unborn baby if the mother takes metformin during pregnancy. The FDA does not know if metformin passes through into breast milk when nursing.
  
  

Side Effects

• Some patients who are prescribed metformin stop taking the medication because of the side effects on the gastrointestinal system, including diarrhea, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting and changes in appetite.
  
  

Statistics

• According to the American Diabetes Association, millions of Americans are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and many more are not aware that they have type 2 diabetes. This is more common in Latinos, African Americans, American Indians and Asian Americans.