Taking metformin with other medicines and herbal supplements (2024)

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that can affect the way metformin works.

If you're taking any of the following medicines, your blood sugar levels may need to be checked more often and your dose changed:

Your doctor may need to make a small change to your metformin dose if you have just started taking contraceptive pills. This is because contraceptive pills can change how your body handles sugar.

Mixing metformin with herbal remedies and supplements

There's not enough information to say that complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with metformin. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

Important: Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Page last reviewed: 24 March 2022
Next review due: 24 March 2025

Taking metformin with other medicines and herbal supplements (2024)

FAQs

Taking metformin with other medicines and herbal supplements? ›

Mixing metformin with herbal remedies and supplements

What supplements should not be taken with metformin? ›

Similarly, those who take metformin should also avoid St. John's wort, as some studies suggest that the supplement causes a build-up of metformin in the body. This build-up causes the body to release more insulin, which may affect glucose levels. Finally, like vitamin E, avoid St.

Is it OK to take metformin with other medications? ›

Taking certain other medications with metformin may increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you are taking acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Keveyis), methazolamide, topiramate (Topamax, in Qsymia), or zonisamide (Zonegran).

Can I take vitamins and metformin at the same time? ›

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between Daily Multi-Vitamins with Minerals and metformin. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

What is the best medication to pair with metformin? ›

With two actions, the combination of glipizide and metformin helps your body cope with high blood sugar. Glipizide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, directing your body to store blood sugar.

What cancels out metformin? ›

As with corticosteroids, these medications can make metformin less effective and lead to hyperglycemia. Examples of medications that may cause hyperglycemia when combined with metformin include: Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) Antipsychotic medications like olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Is cinnamon ok to take with metformin? ›

Cinnamon has a beneficial role in improving the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Concurrent use of cinnamon and the antidiabetic drug "metformin" could have undesirable effects on glucose metabolism.

Can I take magnesium with metformin? ›

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc and metformin.

Can you take vitamin D with metformin? ›

Combined use of vitamin D3 and metformin increased the serum level of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3. To evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 and metformin on insulin signaling pathway, we measured the serum levels of glucose, insulin, IGFI, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3 (Fig.

Why do doctors no longer prescribe metformin? ›

Why do doctors no longer recommend metformin? Doctors still often prescribe metformin to help treat T2DM. However, metformin may not be suitable for everyone with T2DM. For example, a doctor may prescribe alternative treatments, such as SGLT2 inhibitors, in people with kidney problems.

What is the best vitamin to take with metformin? ›

People taking metformin should supplement vitamin B12 and folic acid or ask their doctor to monitor folic acid and vitamin B12 levels. Metformin therapy has been shown to deplete vitamin B12, and sometimes, but not always, folic acid as well.

Can you eat eggs while taking metformin? ›

Health pros suggest a low-carb, high-protein breakfast might work well with Metformin. Think eggs, lean meats, whole grains, and fresh fruits. It gives you main nutrients, lowers glycemic spikes, and keeps you full till lunchtime.

Can I take B12 if I take metformin? ›

Vitamin B12 supplements don't interact with metformin, so they can safely be taken together. However, it's always a good idea to keep a current list of all your prescription and OTC medications. This helps your healthcare provider and pharmacist make sure there are no interactions to be concerned about.

What should you not mix with metformin? ›

Cautions with other medicines
  • steroid tablets, such as prednisolone.
  • tablets that make you pee more (diuretics), such as furosemide.
  • medicines to treat heart problems and high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • male and female hormones, such as testosterone, oestrogen or progesterone.
  • other diabetes medicines.

What is a better choice than metformin? ›

But if you can't tolerate metformin or it's not doing enough to help you reach your diabetes goals, you may need an alternative. If you also have heart or kidney disease, GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic (semaglutide) or SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance (empagliflozin) are good alternatives.

What is the next best medication after metformin? ›

Usual second-line options are sodium-glucose linked transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, sulfonylureas and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

Can I take vitamin D with metformin? ›

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between metformin and Vitamin D3.

What not to drink with metformin? ›

Bid Adieu to sugary drinks such as sodas, sweet teas, and fancy coffee concoctions. They are rich in added sugars that send your blood sugar levels up to the sky. PCOS often comes in combination with insulin resistance, so it is best to avoid these sugary sips so that Metformin has a clear path to work.

Why can't you take B12 with metformin? ›

metformin can commonly reduce vitamin B12 levels in patients, which may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

What supplements should type 2 diabetics avoid? ›

The 5 Supplements You Shouldn't Be Taking If You Have Diabetes
  • Chromium. Chromium is a mineral that is found in a number of foods, such as meat, vegetables, grains, fruits and nuts. ...
  • Bitter Melon. ...
  • Green Tea Extract. ...
  • St John's Wort. ...
  • Vitamin E.
Mar 1, 2023

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