Do not take Metformin
– if you are allergic to metformin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
– if you have liver problems or drink a lot of alcohol
– if you have severely reduced kidney function
– if you have severe heart or pulmonary disease
If you have uncontrolled diabetes, with, for example, severe hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid weight loss, lactic acidosis (see “Risk of lactic acidosis” below) or ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a condition in which substances called ‘ketone bodies’ accumulate in the blood and which can lead to diabetic pre-coma. Symptoms include stomach pain, fast and deep breathing, sleepiness or your breath developing an unusual fruity smell. if you have a severe infection if you are seriously dehydrated (lost a lot of water from your body, which can happen if you have severe sickness or diarrhoea) in the condition of shockWarnings and precautions Risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin may cause a very rare, but very serious side effect called lactic acidosis, particularly if your kidneys are not working properly. The risk of developing lactic acidosis is also increased with uncontrolled diabetes, serious infections, prolonged fasting or alcohol intake, dehydration (see further information below), liver problems and any medical conditions in which a part of the body has a reduced supply of oxygen (such as acute severe heart disease). If any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor for further instructions.