Metformin · Medicine question

What are the most common side effects when starting metformin?

iatroX medicinesPublished 8 November 2026

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When starting metformin (Glucophage), the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite, which resolve spontaneously in most cases.

Sources for this answer

Glucophage 500 mg and 850 mg film coated tabletsMerck · emc · SmPC §4.8 Undesirable effects · Version 25Document updated 22 December 2025

Sources checked 8 November 2026

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