Due to the suspicion of contamination of the active substance metformin, used, inter alia, in In the treatment of diabetes, almost 2 million patients taking this drug daily are wondering whether to continue using it. The Minister of Health, Łukasz Szumowski, reassures and explains that suddenly stopping taking the drug may be more dangerous than continuing to take it.
When are metformin medications taken?
Metformin is found in diabetes medications. It lowers blood glucose levels and, at the same time, does not cause hypoglycaemia (i.e. hypoglycaemia), even if taken in high doses. It also has a slight beneficial effect on serum lipid levels.
The indication for the use of drugs with metformin is uncomplicated type 2 diabetes, especially in obese people. The drug can be used as monotherapy or in combination therapy.
Due to reports of contamination of drugs with metformin, the potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosodimethylamine, almost 2 million Poles taking this drug are surely wondering whether its continued use is beneficial for health. On internet forums and social media profiles, there are voices of patients who declare that they will stop using the drug until consulting a doctor. Can withdrawal from metformin be dangerous?
See also: Metformin, a popular diabetes drug, the key to longevity?
Withdrawal of drugs with metformin
Professor Andrzej Lewiński, a national consultant in the field of endocrinology, told PAP, “the risk of taking metformin, even contaminated in the synthesis of the drug, is considered to be negligible and the risk of sudden discontinuation of the drug is certainly higher, especially if it is used due to type 2 diabetes”.
He also added that metformin is known to reduce the incidence of cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes, who have cancer more often than in the general population. Drugs with metformin are drugs that are used long-term.
Doctors recommend taking drugs that stabilize blood glucose levels. Constantly high blood glucose levels can cause high blood pressure and heart problems. Untreated diabetes mellitus can also lead to serious complications: hyper- or hypoglycemic coma, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, the so-called diabetic foot.
See key information on drug contamination with metformin:
- Contaminated diabetes medications. The ministry has convened a crisis management team
- What are nitrosamines? Why is N-nitrosodimethylamine dangerous?
- Contaminated medicine – what does it mean? The pharmacist explains
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