ADVERSE DRUG REACTION MONITORING OF METFORMIN IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

OBJECTIVE To study the incidence and pattern of adverse effect of Metformin. To assess the severity and outcome of adverse effect of Metformin.METHODS This study included 100 patients with diabetes who are taking Metformin only. Patients who were willing to participate in the study were given a questionnaire containing demographic data and adverse drug profile of Metformin. The symptoms of adverse drug reaction were documented. They were also asked about any other symptoms they had, apart from the questionnaire. The causality assessment was done by WHO assessment scale and severity by using modified Hartwig seigel severity assessment scale.RESULTS Our study showed that most of the patients belong to 41-50 years age group. Mostly they were femalesand many were having disease for less than a year. Most of the patients developed adverse drugreaction. Many patient had more than one adverse drug reaction. The commonest adverse reaction was hypoglycemia, gastritis, nausea, bloating, loss of appetite, myalgia, metallic taste followed by dryness of tongue, vomiting, loose stools and headache. The adverse drug reactions (ADRs) mostly belongs to possible category and were mild.CONCLUSION Most of the patients who were taking Metformin had atleast one adverse drug reaction during the treatment period. It is mild, needs dose adjustment and life style modification.