Glucophage reduces triglycerides modestly. Glucophage also causes some weight loss. Common side-effects due to Glucophage are nausea, upset stomach, metallic taste and diarrhea. However, these symptoms can be avoided or minimized if Glucophage is started at a small dose and the dose is increased gradually over several weeks. A serious but rare side-effect due to Glucophage is lactic acidosis which can occur if Glucophage is used in patients with kidney failure, liver disease or if the patient is acutely ill, such as with heart failure, emphysema or shock.
Lactic acidosis carries a high mortality.
Therefore, Glucophage should not be used in the above-mentioned conditions. Abstain from drinking alcohol while on Glucophage. Deficiency of Vitamin B-12 can also develop which can manifest as tingling and numbness in the feet. Before 1995, these were the only oral agents available for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. These agents act by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.