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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Shortness Of Breath While On Metformin?

I have just started taking metformin 500mg BiD for blood sugar control. I am also a heart patient with 5 stents but never a heart attack. I have had some angina since beginning the metformin. using the nitrostat tablets have taken care of this but I have also had shortness of breath. This just started since taking the metformin. Is it common for this med to cause chest pains and shortness of breath?
Fri, 6 Jan 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

The most common side effects of metformin are gastrointestinal like stomach upset, constipation or diarrhea. It is possible that it can cause chest discomfort and palpitations in 1 to 10% of persons who use it. It is not known to cause shortness of breath. With a history of angina, this is the most likely the cause of the chest pain and shortness of breath. Angina is heart related chest pain that occurs with activity initially, progressing to occurring with rest. It can be associated with shortness of breath. As you would know, this occurs as a result of decreased blood supply to the heart.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
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What Causes Shortness Of Breath While On Metformin?

Hi, The most common side effects of metformin are gastrointestinal like stomach upset, constipation or diarrhea. It is possible that it can cause chest discomfort and palpitations in 1 to 10% of persons who use it. It is not known to cause shortness of breath. With a history of angina, this is the most likely the cause of the chest pain and shortness of breath. Angina is heart related chest pain that occurs with activity initially, progressing to occurring with rest. It can be associated with shortness of breath. As you would know, this occurs as a result of decreased blood supply to the heart. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Michelle Gibson James