Newq asked
Can the drug metformin damage a person kidney? can metformin damage a persons kidneys after long period of taking the medication?
Answer
Metformin is NOT associated with kidney damage but it is recommended to have kidney function assessed every from from the initiation of metformin therapy. Metformin is substantially eliminated by the kidney and reduced kidney function greatly increases the risk of a serious adverse reaction known as lactic acidosis. According to the manufacturer, metformin is contraindicated for use in patients with kidney failure or kidney impairment.There really has never been a link to metformin actually causing kidney damage so the possibility of lactic acidosis is thought to be due from a pre-existing or co-existing problem with the kidney that is not influenced by metformin. Even in terms of lactic acidosis, it's EXTREMELY rare. There are only about 3 cases of lactic acidosis for every 100,000 patients who take metformin for 1 year.
