Metformin Interactions

Metformin is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Metformin is in a class of drugs called biguanides. Metformin helps to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It decreases the amount of glucose you absorb from your food and the amount of glucose made by your liver. Metformin also increases your body's response to insulin, a natural substance that controls the amount of glucose in the blood. Metformin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood).

Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.

See More information Regarding Metformin

Brand Names Associated with Metformin

  • Actoplus Met® (as a combination product containing Metformin, Pioglitazone)
  • Avandamet® (as a combination product containing Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
  • Fortamet®
  • Glucophage®
  • Glumetza®
  • Invokamet® (as a combination product containing Canagliflozin, Metformin)
  • Janumet® (as a combination product containing Metformin, Sitagliptin)
  • Jentadueto® (as a combination product containing Linagliptin, Metformin)
  • Kazano® (as a combination product containing Alogliptin, Metformin)
  • Kombiglyze® XR (as a combination product containing Metformin, Saxagliptin)
  • Metaglip® (as a combination product containing Glipizide, Metformin)
  • Metformin
  • Prandimet® (as a combination product containing Metformin, Repaglinide)
  • Qternmet® XR (as a combination product containing Dapagliflozin, Metformin, Saxagliptin), Segluromet® (as a combination product containing Ertugliflozin, Metformin)
  • Riomet®
  • Synjardy® (as a combination product containing Empagliflozin, Metformin)
  • Trijardy® (as a combination product containing Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin)
  • Xigduo® XR (as a combination product containing Dapagliflozin, Metformin)

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The drugs below are categorized by the severity of their interaction (see description of categories at the bottom of the page).

Click the drug name (listed by the generic name) to view specific drug-drug interaction details.
Navigate: Contraindicated | Major | Moderate | Minor

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What Do The Severity Ratings Mean?

Contraindicated

These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.


Major

This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.


Moderate

This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.


Minor

While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.

Drug interaction information is compilated from several drug compendia, including:

  • Gold Standard Drug Database
  • Micromedix
  • Lexicomp
  • PubMed

The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.