{"id":631082,"date":"2025-01-15T16:55:51","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T21:55:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631082"},"modified":"2025-01-15T16:55:51","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T21:55:51","slug":"metformin-and-ct-scan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metformin-and-ct-scan\/","title":{"rendered":"How long do you have to stop metformin before a CT scan?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metformin<\/span><\/a>, one of the most popular drugs to treat diabetes, comes with a rare side effect of <\/span>lactic acidosis<\/span>. <\/span>Lactic acidosis<\/span> can even be fatal, especially for those with impaired <\/span>kidney function<\/span>. Kidneys can be further taxed from the contrast during a <\/span>computed tomography<\/span> scan (<\/span>CT scan<\/span>), meaning it\u2019s vital for those taking <\/span>metformin<\/span> to discontinue use before the diagnostic imaging appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, we\u2019ve spoken with the medical experts to learn everything you need to know about the procedures <\/span>metformin<\/span> users should take before a <\/span>CT scan<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why <\/span>stopping metformin<\/span> is crucial before a <\/span>CT scan<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cIf you are scheduled for a <\/span>CT scan<\/span> that uses contrast dye, your doctor may advise you to stop taking <\/span>metformin<\/span> for a short period before the procedure,\u201d said Dr. Andrew Youssouf, a dual board-certified physician and the Medical Director at Ikon Recovery Centers in New Jersey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Metformin<\/span>, sold under the brand names <\/span>Glucophage<\/span>, Fortamet, and Riomet, is an anti-diabetic prescription medication used to treat <\/span>Type 2 diabetes<\/span>. It regulates glucose levels and improves the body\u2019s insulin levels to reduce high <\/span>blood sugar<\/span>. One possible rare side effect of taking <\/span>metformin<\/span> is <\/span>lactic acidosis<\/span>, which can be fatal. The <\/span>risk of lactic acidosis<\/span> is increased for <\/span>metformin<\/span> users if they have kidney problems. Because contrast agents may temporarily decrease kidney function, the risk of lactic acidosis is increased when taking metformin and receiving a <\/span>contrast dye<\/span> for a <\/span>CT scan<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to note that <\/span>metformin<\/span> can be found in other diabetic medications that use a combination of drugs, like Glucovance, Janumet, Synjardy, and Kazano.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Youssof explained why the <\/span>risk of lactic acidosis<\/span> increases for <\/span>metformin<\/span> users taking a <\/span>CT scan<\/span>, \u201cThe reason is that contrast dye can temporarily affect <\/span>kidney function<\/span>, which could interfere with your body’s ability to clear <\/span>metformin<\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Metformin<\/span> is cleared through the kidneys. Since there\u2019s a slim chance the contrast dye from the <\/span>CT scan<\/span> may cause a <\/span>contrast-induced<\/span> acute kidney injury<\/span> or impaired <\/span>kidney function<\/span>, <\/span>metformin<\/span> may not be filtered out as it should. If metformin accumulates in the body, there is a higher risk of developing <\/span>lactic acidosis<\/span>. <\/span>Lactic acidosis<\/span> makes the blood overly acidic, which can lead to fatal complications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While <\/span>lactic acidosis<\/span> is rare, especially for those with normal <\/span>renal function<\/span>, the condition is quite serious. While healthy adults may be fine with <\/span>intravenous contrast<\/span> while on <\/span>metformin<\/span>, physicians like to use caution, especially for patients over 80 years old.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>systematic review<\/span> in 2019 even found that other factors outside of <\/span>metformin<\/span> use are more likely to lead to metabolic acidosis after receiving contract agents. This wasn\u2019t even looking at healthy patients but individuals with mild to moderate renal failure. That said, most <\/span>clinicians<\/span> still recommend discontinuing <\/span>metformin<\/span> before <\/span>contrast administration<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two types of <\/span>lactic acidosis<\/span>: Type-A <\/span>lactic acidosis<\/span> and Type-B <\/span>lactic acidosis<\/span>. Type-A <\/span>Lactic Acidosis<\/span> happens when the body\u2019s tissues do not get adequate oxygen, resulting in the overproduction of lactic acid. Type B includes <\/span>lactic acidosis<\/span> that\u2019s not a result of oxygen deprivation. Typically, <\/span>Metformin-Associated<\/span> Lactic Acidosis<\/span> (MALA) falls under the Type-B umbrella.<\/span><\/p>\n

The signs and symptoms of <\/span>lactic acidosis<\/span> can be serious, depending on the severity of your case. Common symptoms include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n