Metformin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps control blood sugar levels and thus prevent serious complications of diabetes. It is also used to treat a menstrual period-related disorder known as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women1.

The most common side effects of metformin include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, headache and an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth23.

Metformin may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when taken along with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or on delaying/skipping a meal. Prolonged use of Metformin may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency which may lead to anemia, causing fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath or headache1.