METFORMIN for DIABETES | Doses, side effects & more [Educational video]

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 21:57:56 +0000

In this video Doctor O'Donovan explains key facts about a medication called METFORMIN used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Metformin is also known by its brand or trade names: Glucophage, Fortamet, Axpinet, Diagemet, Glucient, Metabet).

In the video we cover:

00:00 - Introduction
00:36 - What is metformin?
01:34 - Who can and can't take it?
02:36 - How to take it
04:49 - Side effects of Metformin
07:40 - Use of Metformin in pregnancy
08:15 - Interactions of metformin with other medications

Key facts:

- Not everyone gets diabetes symptoms, so taking metformin may not make you feel any different. That does not mean it is not working, so keep on taking it.

- It's best to take metformin with a meal to reduce the side effects.
The most common side effects are feeling and being sick, diarrhoea, stomach ache and loss of appetite. Vitamin B12 deficiency is also a common side effect of taking metformin in higher doses or for long periods.

- Metformin does not cause weight gain, unlike some other diabetes medicines.

- If you have diabetes, you can get free prescriptions for all of your medicines, not just your diabetes ones. You'll need to have a medical exemption certificate.

Further information via NHS website:

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/metformin/

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/594/pil

#doctor #diabetes #medication #pharmacy #metformin
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This video has been designed for EDUCATIONAL purposes ONLY and is NOT intended to promote or advertise any prescription-only medication.

Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. Dr. O'Donovan does not endorse or promote any medication discussed in this video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

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Reporting issues with medications:

In the UK anyone can report an issue with a medicine, vaccine, medical device, blood product or e-cigarette to the Yellow Card scheme.

The Yellow Card scheme is run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which safeguards medical products quality and efficacy in the United Kingdom.

Visit this website to do so: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk