Glucophage (metformin) is a frequently used and effective medication for type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, it is often stopped in patients with kidney disease because of concerns about lactic acidosis, a feared complication. (Currently, the guidelines are to stop metformin when the creatinine is greater than 1.4 - 1.5.)
However, lactic acidosis is rare, and doctors may be stopping metformin in many diabetic patients with kidney disease even though the risk of this complication is very low.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal has an excellent review of the debate for and against relaxing the guidelines for the use of metformin in patients with kidney disease.
(Thanks to Dr. RW.)
Technorati Tags: Metformin, Glucophage, Diabetes
