Kan jag ta Metformin och alkohol tillsammans?

Varför detta händer

Metformin and alcohol both increase the amount of lactic acid in your blood. If you have too much, your body cannot clear it quickly enough. Additionally, alcohol stops the liver from releasing stored glucose, which can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.

Vad du bör göra

It is best to avoid excessive drinking (binge drinking) while on metformin. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation, always eat food with your drink, and monitor your blood sugar more closely. If you feel unusually weak, cold, dizzy, or have stomach pain after drinking, seek medical help immediately.

Viktiga försiktighetsåtgärder

Lactic Acidosis

Drinking alcohol while taking metformin significantly increases your risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but life-threatening build-up of acid in the blood. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking. Seek urgent medical help if you experience severe vomiting, stomach pain, or rapid breathing.

Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Alcohol can mask the warning signs of low blood sugar and prevent your liver from releasing glucose. If you take metformin alongside other diabetes medications (like insulin or sulphonylureas), drinking alcohol makes dangerous 'hypos' much more likely.

Severe dehydration or infection

If you develop severe vomiting, diarrhoea, or a high fever, you must temporarily stop taking metformin and contact your doctor to prevent kidney strain.

Medical scans using iodine contrast dye

If you are having an X-ray or scan involving an injection of iodine contrast dye, you must stop taking metformin before or at the time of the test to prevent sudden kidney failure.

Varningar för mat och dryck

Alkohol

Drinking alcohol while taking metformin can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the blood). It can also increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). You should avoid excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking while taking this medicine.

Vitamin B12 absorption

Long-term use of metformin can prevent your body from absorbing enough vitamin B12 from your food. You may need to have your B12 levels checked by your doctor or take a supplement if you develop symptoms like extreme tiredness or a sore tongue.

General Food Advice

Metformin should be taken with or just after a meal or snack. This helps to reduce the risk of common side effects such as stomach upset, indigestion, or nausea.

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Ansvarsfriskrivning

Denna information är endast avsedd för allmän utbildning och bör inte användas som en ersättning för professionell medicinsk rådgivning. Rådfråga alltid din läkare, apotekare eller annan kvalificerad vårdpersonal innan du fattar beslut om dina mediciner. Individuella omständigheter kan variera, och endast en vårdpersonal som känner till din medicinska historia kan ge personlig vägledning.