Safety Review of Metformin-Containing Drugs April 2016
The FDA recently came up with new recommendations that allow the use of metformin in pts with mild kidney impairment and some with mod kidney impairment.
RECOMMENDATION: Healthcare professionals should follow the latest recommendations when prescribing metformin-containing medicines to patients with impaired kidney function. Patients should talk to their healthcare professionals if they have any questions or concerns about taking metformin.
The labeling recommendations on how and when kidney function is measured in patients receiving metformin will include the following information:
- Before starting metformin, obtain the patient’s eGFR.
- Metformin is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2.
- Starting metformin in patients with an eGFR between 30-45 mL/minute/1.73 m2 is not recommended.
- Obtain an eGFR at least annually in all patients taking metformin. In patients at increased risk for the development of renal impairment such as the elderly, renal function should be assessed more frequently.
- In patients taking metformin whose eGFR later falls below 45 mL/minute/1.73 m2, assess the benefits and risks of continuing treatment. Discontinue metformin if the patient’s eGFR later falls below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2.
- Discontinue metformin at the time of or before an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 60 mL/minute/1.73 m2; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart metformin if renal function is stable.
For more on this FDA update, click here