To Assess the Causality, Severity and Preventability of Adverse Drug Reactions of Metformin in Treatment of Diabetes

Metformin is biguanide anti-hyperglycemic drug which is commonly prescribed hence it become essential to evaluate hospital based adverse drug reactions to identify risk associated with metformin. The objective of the study was to evaluate and analyzed adverse drug reactions in type 2 patients consuming metformin and determine causality, severity and preventability of adverse drug reactions. Background and objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate and analyze ADRs in type II diabetes patients and to determine the Causality, severity, and preventability of reactions. Methods: The study was done on 30 patients prescribed with metformin in local diabetic care hospital over a period of 30 days. All patients were followed up for adverse drug reactions which were evaluated for causality, severity and Preventability. Causalitywas evaluated according to Naranjo scale, severity according to Hartwig and Siegel scale, and preventability based on modified Schumock and Thornton scale. Results and discussion: A total 19 ADRs were reported from 30 patients during the study period. All ADRs that were reported were type A category. The most commonly affected organ was gastrointestinal system. 6 ADRs were probable and 1 was possible as per Naranjo scale. 16 ADRs were reported mild and 3 ADRs were moderate according to Hartwig and Seigel severity assessment scale. The reported adverse drug reactions were probably preventable. Conclusion: These study results provide insight on the healthcare providers on the importance of monitoring and reporting ADRs associated with drugs.