Metformin

Why does my prescription label for Metformin say not to drink alcohol when taking this medication?

[sk123]

According to the MedHelp drug page on metformin, alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of lactic acidosis while you are taking this medicine.

Here's the link: http://www.medhelp.org/drugs/metformin/show/4596

You'll see this under interactions.

[joycekatherine]

Alcohol will lower your blood sugar as sk123 has said.  I take metformin and insulin and when I decide to have an alcoholic beverage, I usually don't take my metformin that evening, of course, you should ask your Dr before drinking alcohol...bottoming out (bs going to low) is no fun!!

[WaveRider]

It is generally recommended that people not use metformin and alcohol at the same time. Taking metformin and alcohol together can increase your risk of developing a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Talk with your PCP if he/she permits "small amounts" of alcohol while taking metformin. If he/she does, you better have explained what "small amounts" means to them before you blindly consume too much alcohol.