Metformin Lactic Acidosis: should we still be afraid?

Metformin, the first choice drug for type 2 diabetes treatment in all stages of therapy, and one of the most widely prescribed anti-hyperglycemic agent worldwide, represents a rare example of an old drug which continues to display new beneficial effects in various fields. However, lactic acidosis (LA) persists as a serious adverse effect. LA incidence is low and is not necessarily determined by the administration of metformin. Unfortunately, the concern for this complication has negatively affected the drug use, particularly in chronic kidney disease, which may impair drug excretion, and in congestive heart failure and chronic liver disease, which may promote lactate accumulation.

Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice - October 12, 2019 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Teresa Salvatore, Pia Clara Pafundi, Raffaele Marfella, Celestino Sardu, Luca Rinaldi, Lucio Monaco, Carmen Ricozzi, Simona Imbriani, Riccardo Nevola, Luigi Elio Adinolfi, Ferdinando Carlo Sasso Source Type: research