Metformin: Negative Experiences from Alcohol and Kidney Issues
Symptoms of Dangerous Metformin Side Effects. Figuring out when symptoms are serious can be a challenge. With a connection between kidney health and potential, life-threatening illness, knowledge really is power.
Even in the world of cancer, kidney cancer is one people rarely realize is the problem. The same is true for diabetics and medication. Taking Metformin increases a patient’s risk for kidney problems, typically some type of renal failure.
What symptoms should you be looking for and reporting to your Doctor?
• Blood in your urine: some people will ignore this sort of problem if it seems minor and brief
• Back pain or side pain around the waist and lower: this is the classic symptom that brings kidney issues to a doctor’s attention
• Repeat urinary tract infections (UTIs) are another common, frequently-ignored symptom.
Many of these symptoms get ignored. The average person waits until they have reached a very high level of discomfort before seeking medical attention. Please don’t when taking Metformin. Patients often come in complaining of back pain and learn something serious is going on. If you notice any of these problems, take action. It’s time to see your health care professional and investigate the problem.
What Happens when You Drink while Taking Metformin? For anyone taking Metformin, alchohol intake is not recommended. Combining this medication with wine, beer, mixed drinks or other forms of alcoholic beverages can be very dangerous. Some very specific things happen when you imbibe while taking this medication.
Increased chance of kidney damage: Because of the interaction of blood sugar, Metformin and sugars from alcohol the potential for kidney damage is drastically increased when taking both of these at the same time.
Getting intoxicated faster: Many people report this affect of taking Metformin and consuming alcohol. They find that whatever tolerance levels existed before starting on Metformin are no longer a reasonable bench mark. Because Metformin changes how your body responds to blood sugars, body weight and other factors cease to be a realistic measurement of your response to drinking.
Intoxication last longer: Just like people find they become drunk easier, the impact of intoxication last longer for those who are taking Metformin. With the direct chemical link between liver function and diabetes, it appears that the liver is less able to process beverages with alcohol so it takes your body longer to process the beverages. As a result, you may find that the intoxication actually persists longer than in the past.
Hangovers worse and more likely: You might have guessed with the two previous problems occurring that a resulting hangover is also more extreme. You’re right! A number of reports indicate that a hangover while taking Metformin is truly being ill. Some of the stories told appear to border on alcohol poisoning. Obviously, the combination of consuming alcohol and taking Metformin should be seriously reviewed before imbibing!
Imbalances are exaggerated between sugar intake in the alcohol and stress on the liver, pancreas and insulin, and kidneys. It’s important to understand when you’re taking Metform, ibecause this group of players for your digestive system is not well coordinated to begin with, it is worse when “under the influence.” Add alcohol and the imbalance becomes even worse.
Many individuals taking Metformin stop taking it when they know circumstances will result in having a glass or wine or some beer. While this can relieve the combined symptoms of the medication with the alcohol, it will also impact your blood sugar levels. Regardless how you manage these situations, be aware of the impact of your choices and respond accordingly.
