{"id":628844,"date":"2024-07-03T14:42:37","date_gmt":"2024-07-03T18:42:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628844"},"modified":"2025-08-20T13:54:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T17:54:30","slug":"stopping-metformin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/stopping-metformin\/","title":{"rendered":"Stopping metformin: When and how to do it?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes. It\u2019s widely regarded as a safe and effective drug and is often taken as a long-term treatment. But, metformin might not be suitable for everyone, especially if it causes unpleasant side effects. In these cases, you may want to stop taking metformin. However, there are important things to keep in mind before you stop the drug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read on to learn about what to do if you want to stop taking metformin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why stop metformin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The American Diabetes Association (<\/span>ADA<\/span><\/a>)<\/span> recommends metformin as the first-line treatment option for Type 2 diabetes, and in most cases, people take it for many years. This is because of its effectiveness, safety, and lower cost. Nevertheless, there are some reasons why someone might want to stop taking metformin. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. To improve and control blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes. <\/b>Some people with Type 2 diabetes can manage their condition through <\/span>lifestyle changes<\/span><\/a>. They may find that they no longer need metformin to control their blood sugar. Examples of lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Intolerable side effects. <\/b>Common side effects of metformin<\/span> are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort.<\/span> In most cases, <\/span>these side effects<\/span><\/a> go away if the drug is taken with food, or they may go away within a few weeks of starting the medication. But for some, these side effects can be severe and make you want to stop the medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. There is a desire to switch to another diabetes medication. <\/b>While metformin is the first-line treatment option recommended by the ADA, there are several other <\/span>treatment options<\/span><\/a> for diabetes. As newer medications continue to be approved, some medications may have <\/span>added benefits<\/span><\/a> over metformin, including reducing the risk of heart and kidney disease in addition to blood sugar management. Some healthcare professionals may recommend switching to a different medication depending on your medical history and individual risks.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. A healthcare provider instructs you to stop, given a certain medical history. <\/b>Metformin may not be right for you if you have or develop certain medical conditions. Metformin isn\u2019t recommended in people with kidney disease or certain kidney problems. This is because the kidneys mainly break down metformin. If your kidneys aren\u2019t working properly, your body may clear metformin more slowly. This can lead to a buildup of the drug in your body and increase the risk of serious side effects, including lactic acidosis. In addition, doctors typically avoid prescribing metformin for people with liver disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How to stop taking metformin<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Regardless of the reason why you\u2019re stopping metformin, it\u2019s important that you talk with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your drug regimen. They will likely want to know the reason you want to stop metformin and if you\u2019re open to switching to other diabetes medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you want to stop metformin because of side effects, your medical provider may suggest other strategies before stopping the drug. These include taking metformin with food or switching to <\/span>extended-release metformin<\/span><\/a> tablets.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Your provider may also want to measure your blood sugar and <\/span>hemoglobin A1C levels<\/span><\/a> to ensure your diabetes is well-managed before discontinuing metformin treatment. If you and your healthcare provider decide it\u2019s safe for you to stop metformin, they\u2019ll likely come up with a treatment plan for you to <\/span>lower your dose<\/span><\/a> gradually over time until it\u2019s safe for you to stop the drug entirely.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    What to watch out for when stopping metformin<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Metformin works to manage <\/span>blood sugar levels<\/span><\/a> in several ways. These include reducing the amount of glucose your liver makes, lowering how much glucose your body absorbs from food, and increasing your body\u2019s sensitivity to the insulin it produces. Once metformin is stopped, these effects no longer take place. Unless you\u2019re switching to another medication or your blood sugar is being managed successfully by lifestyle changes, this can cause your blood glucose levels to rise and increase your A1C. This can lead to <\/span>symptoms<\/span><\/a> such as:<\/span><\/p>\n