Support Alert

Drug safety update: Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels: new advice for monitoring patients at risk

Decreased vitamin B12 levels, or vitamin B12 deficiency, is now considered to be a common side effect in patients on metformin treatment, especially in those receiving a higher dose or longer treatment duration and in those with existing risk factors. The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) are therefore advising checking vitamin B12 serum levels in patients being treated with metformin who have symptoms suggestive of vitamin B12 deficiency. The MHRA also advise that periodic monitoring for patients with risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency should be considered.

Further information and advice for healthcare professionals can be found on the MHRA website.

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