Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog post:
- Can you take Metformin when you’re sick
- When to stop Metformin
- When to restart Metformin
A large part of longevity is reducing the risk of diseases before they cause symptoms. But try as we might, we’ll all get the cold or flu from time to time, and as powerful as longevity solutions like Metformin can be, they may actually cause more harm if taken when we’re sick.
Though generally safe and well tolerated, Metformin can increase the risk of lactic acidosis when we’re experiencing symptoms like vomiting, nausea, excessive sweating, or diarrhea. But how do you know when to stop taking Metformin, or when to restart? Why can’t you take Metformin while you’re sick?
We’ll answer all that and more below. Here’s your sick day plan for Metformin.
What Happens When You’re Sick
The body works a little differently when we’re under the weather. Whether it’s a stomach bug, the flu, or another sickness, the body adapts to the infection and works harder to fight off infection, often leading to:
- Dehydration from vomiting, sweating, or diarrhea
- Changes in kidney function, which can affect how drugs are processed
- Less food and fluid intake
These changes can alter how your body responds to medications like Metformin, increasing the risk of dangerous side effects—particularly, lactic acidosis.
Why Can’t I Take Metformin When I’m Sick?
The short answer? Lactic acidosis.
Metformin works at the cellular level, stimulating the production of lactic acid, which is excreted through the kidneys. If you get dehydrated while sick, this causes the kidneys to not excrete lactic acid as well, creating an environment where lactic acid production increases, while lactic acid clearance decreases. This can lead to a dangerous increase in lactic acid levels known as lactic acidosis, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition.
If you’ve taken Metformin while you’re sick, don’t worry! Lactic acidosis is most common in those with kidney or liver dysfunction. However, you should still be careful to stop taking Metformin until you feel better.
Here are the symptoms of lactic acidosis to look out for:
- Rapid breathing
- Muscle cramps
- Body aches
- Brain fog or confusion
- Weakness or fatigue
- Loss of coordination
When Should I Stop Taking Metformin?
Most doctors recommend a sick day plan for patients taking medications like Metformin. This includes guidelines for when to stop taking Metformin.
You should pause Metformin if you:
- Can’t keep fluids down (vomiting or diarrhea)
- Are eating or drinking less than normal (nausea)
- Feel very weak, dizzy, or confused
- Have a fever over 101°F
Chances are, if you’re feeling sick enough to cancel plans or call out of work, it might be time to hold off on Metformin.
When Can I Start Taking Metformin Again?
When you can eat and drink normally again, or when you stop experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, or diarrhea, it’s usually okay to restart Metformin. If you’re not sure, wait another day or two before restarting.
However, it’s always best to check in with your doctor first. If you plan to go to an urgent care clinic or your primary care physician to treat your sickness, ask them when it’s okay to start Metformin again.
If you get sick and you’re not sure whether you should pause, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your health is dynamic, and your treatment should be too: we’re more than happy to help you develop your own sick day plan for Metformin.
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.