AEGiS-ATDN: Diabetes Drug Concerns

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Diabetes Drug Concerns

Information Bulletin #15 - May 2002

Caution on the use of Diabetes drug - Despite label warnings, many patients who should not take the diabetes drug metformin (Glucophage) are given the drug while in the hospital. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania found that more than one quarter of 204 patients who received metformin over 6 months at the hospital had at least one "absolute contraindication" to the therapy. These patients had conditions that put them at risk of a metformin-related complication called lactic acidosis, a potentially life-threatening buildup of lactic acid in the blood that can damage vital organs. Metformin, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, reduces blood sugar levels by curbing production of glucose by the liver. Certain individuals, however, should not take the drug due to lactic acidosis risk--including those with kidney disease and people taking drugs for congestive heart failure and HIV. Precaution is advised for some other patients, such as those with signs of liver disease. Overall, the investigators found, 62% of their study patients had either an absolute contraindication to metformin or a condition that required precaution. The most common contraindication was evidence of kidney dysfunction--present in 12% of patients.

020510
TR020504

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., John M. Lloyd Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .