Which are common adverse effects of metformin?

Which are common adverse effects of metformin?

• A. GI symptoms and lactic acidosis
• B. Hypoglycemia and weight gain
• C. Hyperglycemia and pancreatitis
• D. Rash and hair loss

Answer: (B)

Metformin’s most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal symptoms—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps—often starting early and related to dose; many patients improve with gradual titration. A rare but serious adverse effect is lactic acidosis, which is more likely in people with significant kidney or liver disease, dehydration, alcoholism, or conditions causing hypoxia, so kidney function and other risk factors should be monitored. Hypoglycemia is not typical with metformin alone because it doesn’t increase insulin secretion, and it’s usually weight-neutral or may even cause modest weight loss rather than weight gain. That’s why the option emphasizing hypoglycemia and weight gain isn’t aligned with metformin’s usual adverse effects. Other listed possibilities like pancreatitis or rash/hair loss aren’t common with metformin either.

Metformin’s most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal symptoms—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps—often starting early and related to dose; many patients improve with gradual titration. A rare but serious adverse effect is lactic acidosis, which is more likely in people with significant kidney or liver disease, dehydration, alcoholism, or conditions causing hypoxia, so kidney function and other risk factors should be monitored.

Hypoglycemia is not typical with metformin alone because it doesn’t increase insulin secretion, and it’s usually weight-neutral or may even cause modest weight loss rather than weight gain. That’s why the option emphasizing hypoglycemia and weight gain isn’t aligned with metformin’s usual adverse effects. Other listed possibilities like pancreatitis or rash/hair loss aren’t common with metformin either.