User:Mr. Ibrahem/Metformin

Metformin, marketed under the trade name Glucophage among others, is the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in people who are overweight. It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. It is not associated with weight gain. It is taken by mouth.

Metformin is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. It has a low risk of causing low blood sugar. High blood lactic acid level is a concern if the medication is used in overly large doses or prescribed in persons with severe kidney problems. It is not recommended in those with significant liver disease. While no clear harm comes from use during pregnancy, insulin is generally preferred for gestational diabetes. Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent. It works by decreasing glucose production by the liver and increasing the insulin sensitivity of body tissues.

Metformin was discovered in 1922. French physician Jean Sterne began study in humans in the 1950s. It was introduced as a medication in France in 1957 and the United States in 1995. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Metformin is the most widely used medication for diabetes taken by mouth. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale price in the developed world was between US$0.20 and $6 per month. In the United States, it costs 5 to 25 USD per month. In the UK, a standard 500 mg tablet costs around £0.03, with other forms being more expensive. In 2017, it was the fourth-most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 78 million prescriptions.