Metformin Acne Treatment
Metformin is an anti-hyperglycemic drug used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes and to treat women with polycystic ovary syndrome (POCS) and hirsutism, excessive or unwanted facial or body hair 1. Metformin also has benefits in treating acne in patients with hyperandrogenism or excessive production of androgen. Hyperandrogenenism causes acne vulgaris, which is the increased accumulation of oil and bacteria in the skin pores and the formation of papules, pustules or nodules.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Metformin Effects
Metformin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995 only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes 1. According to the Northwestern University website, metformin is not FDA approved to treat POCS symptoms. However, treatment with metformin benefits women suffering with POCS because of its effect in reducing insulin, testosterone and glucose levels. These effects help to reduce the symptoms of acne, hirsutism, abdominal obesity and amenorrhea that are all symptoms of POCS.
- Metformin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995 only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes 1.
- According to the Northwestern University website, metformin is not FDA approved to treat POCS symptoms.
Metformin Effects on Acne
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Metformin is used to treat acne in specific conditions such as PCOS, which causes serious hormonal imbalances that cause acne outbreaks. Metformin works to balance the hormones and control the acne outbreaks.
Side Effects
The side effects of metformin include gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea and vomiting, abdominal bloating and diarrhea. These symptoms may be minimized by starting with a low dosage that is gradually increased over a few weeks. Metformin will also affect the absorption of vitamin B12; long-term treatment with metformin may lead to anemia. A rare and serious side effect of metformin is lactic acidosis, too much acid in the body. Therefore, it’s important to have a serum creatinine test prior to starting metformin therapy and to have liver enzymes levels monitored every six to 12 months to prevent this side effect.
- The side effects of metformin include gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea and vomiting, abdominal bloating and diarrhea.
- A rare and serious side effect of metformin is lactic acidosis, too much acid in the body.
Considerations
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A discussion with a health-care provider is important before taking metformin if there is any history of liver or kidney problems. According to the Ovarian Cyst POCS website, metformin alters liver function and is excreted by the kidneys 2. Liver and kidney function tests should be done prior to taking metformin, and these tests should be redone yearly.
Warning
Metformin is a category B drug; this means its safety for use during pregnancy has not been established 13. However, it is commonly used to treat infertility in patients with PCOS and is sometimes continued during pregnancy, according to the EMedTV website 3. Metformin has been found in breast milk and breastfeeding is not recommended while taking metformin.
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References
- Hirsutism: Metformin for Hirsutism
- Ovarian Cysts POCS: POCS and Metformin (Glucophage)
- EMedTV.com: Metformin and Pregnancy
- American Diabetes Association. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2019. Diabetes Care. 2019 Jan;42(Suppl 1):S90-S102.
- Doyle-Delgado K et al. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment of type 2 diabetes: Synopsis of the 2020 American Diabetes Association's standards of medical care in diabetes clinical guideline. Ann Intern Med 2020 Sep 1; [e-pub].
- Metformin. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. 2018.
- US FDA. FDA drug safety communication: FDA revises warnings regarding use of the diabetes medicine metformin in certain patients with reduced kidney function. 2017.
Writer Bio
Norma Chew is a retired registered nurse who has been a freelance writer since 1978. Chew's articles have appeared in the "Journal of the Association of Operating Room Nurses" (AORN), "Point of View Magazine" and "Today's OR Nurse." Chew has a master's degree in health care administration from Nova Southeastern University.