[e-drug] Metformin and lactic acidosis (2)

["Per Magnusson pv" <per.magnusson@jll.se>]

E-DRUG: Metformin and lactic acidosis (2)
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Dear E-Druggers,

Metformin and lactic acidosis - an almost forgotten but potentially lethal side effect.

4 cases of lactic acidosis were recently reported in the Swedish lakartidningen (Frid A, Sterner G. Lakartidningen 2006;103:2560-2). 

One factor in these cases was the fact that the patients had diarrhoea and continued to take metformin. It should be emphasized to the patients to stop taking the medication in such circumstances. 

Another problem is the estimation of renal function. In our country we now use the test Cystatin C and get an estimation of glomerular filtration in the results, which helps to be aware of the risk when filtration is low.

Best wishes

Dr Per Magnusson
Jarpen 
Sweden
per.magnusson@jll.se