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MEDICATION Q&A
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Medication Q&A is an informational service only. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice of a personal health care provider.  Please consult your personal health care provider for advice regarding your medications and health conditions
Question:  Could metformin (Glucophage) be the cause of my recurring sinus infection, bronchitis, and voice loss?

Answer:
Metformin is a commonly used medication for type 2 diabetes.  The most common side effects include:
 

 



· Diarrhea
· Nausea/vomiting
· Flatulence
· Asthenia
· Indigestion
· Abdominal discomfort
· Headache

Each of the side effects listed above can occur in 5% of more of people who take metformin.

Although less common, upper respiratory tract infections have also been reported to occur in more than 1% (but less than 5%) of people who take metformin.  Upper respiratory tract infection is a general term that can refer to the common cold, sinus infection, bronchitis, laryngitis, or pharyngitis.

It is not clear if metformin is actually responsible for these respiratory tract infections or if there is some other explanation.  People with diabetes are predisposed to infections because diabetes weakens the immune system.

Answer Posted: July 9, 2008