HEALTH Secretary James U. Hofschneider is urging all health care professionals and diabetics in the CNMI to be cautious regarding the proper use of the drug called metformin.
A recent study done in the University of North California Chapel Hill Hospital showed that metformin can cause a rare side effect called lactic acidosis—a buildup of lactic acid in the blood that is fatal in about 50 percent of cases.
The drug’s package insert contains a black box warning that it should not be used by patients with kidney disease or drug treatment for heart failure.
Metformin, which is sold as Glucophage, helps the body use insulin and control blood sugar levels.
Hofschneider, however, said the Department of Public Health does not recommend that patients presently prescribed metformin should discontinue taking the medication without first consulting their primary care physicians.
“Based upon the findings of recent reported studies, all health care professionals here in the CNMI should be on alert,” said Hofschneider.
He said health care professionals should also develop an understanding of the potential risks and contraindications to metformin therapy.
“We encourage patients to become informed about their medications by reading the literature and asking questions to their primary care physician, pharmacists and other health care providers,” he said.
“Any patient suspecting adverse reactions to any medications should immediately report this to their primary care physician,” he said.
Rep. Stanley T. Torres, R-Saipan, earlier requested Hofschneider and PHI Pharmacy General Manager Ted Parker to issue data on the number of diabetics with kidney disease and/or heart failure and who are prescribed Glucophage.
“We are losing a great number of our young diabetics lately. Glucophage may have been the terminator,” said Torres.
Hofschneider, however, said the Commonwealth Health Center has so far not experienced any case of metformin-induced lactic acidosis.
Nevertheless, Hofschneider said he would forward this information to the CHC Pharmacy and to the Therapeutics Committee, which ensures safe and effective medication use throughout the facility.
“Additionally, we shall send an information bulletin to CHC and private practitioners reiterating the accepted prescribing guidelines for metformin,” Hofschneider added.
