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Does Metformin cause kidney damage?

N

NatJS

Well-Known Member
Messages
71
Location
UK
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Diabetes
A friend has told me that taking metformin in the long term (>15 years) can cause permanent kidney damage. I've been googling but found not much information except that people with pre-existing kidney problems can't have metformin. But nothing obvious has come up. Has anyone read anything about this? Given I'm relatively young to have been diagnosed (31) I'm pretty worried about what the future has in store!
 
don´t know, but it sure seems to affect my kidneys , when I take metformin late in the day I have to go to the toilet many times every night and that must be because it affect my kidney that in some way try to get rid of the medication I think
 
It can be hard on the kidneys, which is why those on Metformin have to have at least annual kidney function tests.

This is what NICE has to say:

1.6.22In adults with type 2 diabetes, review the dose of metformin if the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is below 45 ml/minute/1.73m2:

  • Stop metformin if the eGFR is below 30 ml/minute/1.73m2.

  • Prescribe metformin with caution for those at risk of a sudden deterioration in kidney function and those at risk of eGFR falling below 45 ml/minute/1.73m2. [2015]
 
NatJS said:
A friend has told me that taking metformin in the long term (>15 years) can cause permanent kidney damage.
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I can only say that I have taken Metformin since 1997 and have had my kidneys function checked every year and they're still good. I pee for Great Britain because of BP meds, so they'[re obviously working OK.
 
That is the million dollar question that I have been asking for years.
And you don't get an answer.It seems if you have kidney damage it may damage it further otherwise it just puts stress on the kidneys.Have been on it for 10 years so would like to know too.
I did lose 25 to 30 kg on it so I wonder if the extra weight would do more stress than 3 metformin( if I still need them)
Need to ask a kidney specialist
I normally just have the kidney urine test but lately find I have lot of lactic acid in my system
 
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DavidGrahamJones said:
I can only say that I have taken Metformin since 1997 and have had my kidneys function checked every year and they're still good. I pee for Great Britain because of BP meds, so they'[re obviously working OK.
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A pharmacist told me people take them for 20 years and more without problems I think we forget how many people are on them and how safe it really is
 
Thyroiddiabetic said:
A pharmacist told me people take them for 20 years and more without problems I think we forget how many people are on them and how safe it really is
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It is known as a safe drug, but kidney function does need to be checked at least annually by blood tests to make sure there is no serious deterioration.
 
Bluetit1802 said:
It is known as a safe drug, but kidney function does need to be checked at least annually by blood tests to make sure there is no serious deterioration.
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Is a urine test ok .I normally only have it.
Last urine test showed trace protein.
 
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