Alcohol and Metformin

Rdan

Member
Messages
18
Hi everyone,

Hope you are having an amazing day!! I was hoping to get your advice. Is it ok to drink while taking Metformin? I have T2 and don’t drink often anymore. I just got diagnosed 1 month ago and am taking Metformin. I usually drink whiskey neat. I am going to a festival tomorrow and wanted to have a drink or two. Just wasn’t sure if it’s ok.

Advice anyone?
 

kitedoc

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,783
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
black jelly beans
I suggest you look up Metformin side-effects in sites such as drugs. com, rxlist.com etc.
These will outline any intercations between metformin ( and whatever brands of it) and alcohol.
Any any interactions between a prescribed drug and other drugs and substances should of course have been discussed with you at the times you were prescribed it.
 

enb54

Well-Known Member
Messages
265
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I think each person reacts differently, I have had no problems taking 2 500 mg metformin tablets daily and having 3 or 4 drinks of rum, but I wouldn't like to push much past that. Check online for more advice and read over the information given when you got your prescription as "kitedoc" suggests...
 

Muddikins

Well-Known Member
Messages
113
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I have tried this for you:).
Whiskey (or if you must, whisky) is just fine with metformin in (not always;)) moderate quantities. I believe the relative risk of lactic acidosis is negligible with low level use but everyone must make their own choice, of course, based upon their understanding.
Have fun:).
 

DCUKMod

Master
Staff Member
Messages
14,298
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I have tried this for you:).
Whiskey (or if you must, whisky) is just fine with metformin in (not always;)) moderate quantities. I believe the relative risk of lactic acidosis is negligible with low level use but everyone must make their own choice, of course, based upon their understanding.
Have fun:).

Muddikins, I appreciate your comment was made in an up-beat, lighthearted way, but I think it fair to say your "experiments" have been fine for you, but may not be fine for another person. Like so many other things, how an individual handles alcohol - with or without metformin in play - can differ significantly. I'd hate to be the person in the "negligible" bracket, but even if the chances are low, it means there is a chance.

@Rdan - The choice whether you drink or not is your own, but if you decide you will have a drink, then please do so very moderately indeed. Even those who haven't had a drink in a while, for no reason other than they haven't can find their tolerances to alcohol are dimished and they can become inebriated, and all that comes with it, more quickly.
 

Fruitella

Well-Known Member
Messages
304
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
There is a warning to avoid alcohol whilst taking Metformin as there is an increased risk of developing lactic acidosis a potentially fatal condition. Here’s more info about it:
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/metformin-alcohol#alcohol-interactions
Had lactic acidosis a few years ago as a non drinker and taken off the metformin. Diagnosed at A&E with blood test and most of the symptoms listed. GP had said a few hours earlier that it was a virus. Ho hum.
Have recently discovered that I do like a decent reserve port! :)
 

Ross.Walker

Well-Known Member
Messages
291
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
sprouts, evil things
I went through this, in the end I was ok with a few good shots, I cannot state how important it is to invest in the very best, if you are going to have only one or two then make them worth it.