conditions associated with reduced vitamin B12 absorption (such as elderly people and those with gastrointestinal disorders such as total or partial gastrectomy, Crohn’s disease and other bowel inflammatory disorders, or autoimmune conditions).baseline vitamin B12 levels at the lower end of the normal range.Risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency are wide ranging. The product information for other medicines containing metformin will also be updated including fixed-dose combination products containing metformin. The updated product information also includes new advice to healthcare professionals to test vitamin B12 levels in those presenting with anaemia or neuropathy and that periodic vitamin B12 monitoring should be considered in patients with risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency. The product information has also been updated to note that the risk of this adverse reaction occurring increases with increasing metformin dose and treatment duration and in patients with risk factors known to cause vitamin B12 deficiency. The Glucophage product information for healthcare professionals and patients has now been updated to state that vitamin B12 deficiency is a common adverse drug reaction, and may affect up to 1 in 10 people who take it. ![]() The current literature suggest that the frequency of this adverse drug reaction is higher than previously thought. After this review, we have agreed that the product information for medicines containing metformin should be updated. The known adverse drug reaction of vitamin B12 deficiency was recently reviewed for the brand leader Glucophage (metformin) within Europe with input from the MHRA. The mechanism is currently thought to be multifactorial, comprising altered intestinal motility, bacterial overgrowth, and reduced uptake of vitamin B12 within the small intestine (or a combination of these factors). It is important for patients with anaemia or neuropathy caused by vitamin B12 deficiency to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to avoid the development of permanent symptoms.ĭecreased vitamin B12 levels are a known consequence of long-term treatment with metformin. Other symptoms of low vitamin B12 levels may include mental disturbance (depression, irritability, cognitive impairment), glossitis (swollen and inflamed tongue), mouth ulcers, and visual and motor disturbances. Patients with a vitamin B12 deficiency can be asymptomatic or they can present with symptoms of megaloblastic anaemia or neuropathy or both. Common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include infections, malabsorption, medical conditions (Crohn’s disease, pernicious anaemia), gastric resection, and inadequate dietary intake. It is also added to some fortified foods such as breakfast cereals. It is found in foods of animal origin including milk, cheese, yoghurt, and eggs. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a nutrient that helps to keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy. Metformin is available as immediate and modified-release tablets, as well as an oral solution. Metformin is a medicine authorised to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and to help prevent type 2 diabetes in patients at high risk of developing it. do not stop your treatment without first discussing this with your doctorĪbout metformin and vitamin B12 deficiency. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |