Overview
- The NHS advises calling 999 immediately for suspected anaphylaxis, including sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, severe breathing difficulty, tight throat, blue or pale skin, sudden confusion or fainting, or an unresponsive child.
- Patients are told to contact their GP or dial 111 straight away if they feel generally unwell with severe tiredness, fast or shallow breathing, feeling cold with a slow heartbeat, or if eyes or skin turn yellow, which can signal liver problems.
- Serious side effects from metformin are described as rare, occurring in fewer than 1 in 10,000 people.
- Common side effects listed by the NHS include feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, stomach ache, loss of appetite, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
- The guidance is being highlighted as the UK records more than 5.8 million people living with diabetes and over 26 million metformin prescriptions dispensed in England last year, with additional notes on possible vitamin B12 deficiency and occasional low blood sugar when combined with other diabetes medicines.