Metformin has been identified as one of the best hyper glycerine that is orally administered. This is portrayed by its application as the first line therapy that is often administered to patients suffering from type two diabetes mellitus. This is because the application of metformin is associated with having an efficient control of the level of blood sugar without serious side effects (Inzucchi et al., 2014). Unlike metformin, other types of hyper glycerides are known for causing a significant increase in weight and even the risk of contracting hyperglycemia. Despite the recommendation of the application of metformin by many clinical practice guide books, the assertion of whether metformin is safe for patients with chronic kidney diseases is still debatable. The absence of metformin in most of our nephrology clinics also suggest the possibility of risks that associated with metformin especially in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease.
Metformin is not safe for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease because according to the black box warning associated with the hyper glycerine, the medication should not be administered to patients with medical problems that often result in a buildup of lactate. The buildup of lactate in the body is associated with lactic acidosis which could be caused by kidney failure of decreased kidney function. This is because the kidney is responsible for excreting excess lactic acid that is produced by the body. A patient with chronic kidney disease, therefore, falls under the category of patients who should not be subjected to metformin as stipulated by the black box warning. According to Inzucchi et al. (2014), despite the mortality benefits associated with the administration of metformin, the risks associated with the medication especially in patients with kidney problems is not worth risking the life of a patient for.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
In conclusion, metformin is not safe for patients with chronic kidney diseases because of the risk of generating lactic acidosis.
References
Inzucchi, S. E., Lipska, K. J., Mayo, H., Bailey, C. J., & McGuire, D. K. (2014). Metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease: a systematic review. Jama , 312 (24), 2668-2675
