Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels: new advice for monitoring patients at risk

[helvella]

Update to the MHRA's view on Metformin and B12:

Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels: new advice for monitoring patients at risk

Decreased vitamin B12 levels, or vitamin B12 deficiency, is now considered to be a common side effect in patients on metformin treatment, especially in those receiving a higher dose or longer treatment duration and in those with existing risk factors. We are therefore advising checking vitamin B12 serum levels in patients being treated with metformin who have symptoms suggestive of vitamin B12 deficiency. We also advise that periodic monitoring for patients with risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency should be considered.

From:

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

Published

20 June 2022

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/m...

[Nackapan]

About time!

[Gambit62 Administrator]

The patient information leaflet has included information about potential effects on B12 absorption for years but it is good to have something specifically aimed at prescribers.