Important information regarding metformin

Important information regarding metformin

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA has recommended voluntary recall of certain extended-release versions of metformin. In the UK these usually have the letters SR or MR after the metformin – as in metformin SR or metformin MR. Testing has revealed excessive levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in these products and this has over the long term, the potential to cause cancer. Five companies have been listed – (Apotex) Apotex Corp, (Activis) Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc, Time-Cap Labs Inc) Marksans Pharma Ltd, India, and (Amneal) Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. Metformin is a generic drug made by many different manufacturers.

It is important to remember that if you are not using the extended-release metformin, your metformin is safe and you should continue to use it. If you know the manufacturer of your metformin, and their name is not in the list above, it is safe for you to continue to use it. If your metformin extended-release is made by one of the manufacturers above, then switch to regular immediate-release metformin – that is, metformin WITHOUT any letters after the word metformin. If you are in doubt or do not understand and wish to stop taking your metformin, consult your doctor so that alternative medication can be prescribed.

Looking to speak with a member of our team?

Carol Willis

Carol Willis - Diabetes Clinic Facilitator

If you couldn’t find what you were looking for today, feel free to give us a call at 0800 048 3330 and ask Carol and her team. Alternatively, just fill in this form and someone will get in touch with you promptly. By using this form, you are consenting to the storage and handling of the data contained in the form by our team.