INFORMATION: Why stop Metformin (glucophage) when taking an Xray test with dye

[Guest guest]

Recently, I had a CT scan with contrast dye and was told not to take my Metformin for the next 48 hours. Can you

please explain to me the reason for this?

Metformin (Glucophage)

is stopped prior to surgery or for medical tests that require intravenous contrast dyes to minimize the risk of lactic acidosis, a build up of lactic acid in the body. Cells produce this acid when they use glucose for energy in the absence of enough oxygen. (Remember running too hard or doing too much activity for what your body could normally handle causing muscles to burn for days? That is a mild form of

lactic acidosis.)

Lactic acidosis is extremely rare, but often fatal. It requires the right environment to take place, primarily kidneys

that are not functioning optimally. Contrast dye can be difficult for kidneys to clear out of your body. The last thing they need is an added burdened of having to process metformin, most of which is excreted by the kidneys unchanged. You can minimize your risk by staying hydrated and stopping metformin as advised.

[Guest guest]

Be real sure to check all 13 meds that contain Metformin. Be sure you are

knowledgable of how to treat with insulin! Guideline is to stop at least 2 days

prior and not restart until BUN and Creatinine are at acceptable limits. Mine

at NIH is 9 days after but that may be because I was here enjoying fulltime

nursing service!

>

> Recently, I had a CT scan with contrast dye and was told not to take my

> Metformin for the next 48 hours. Can you please explain to me the

> reason for this?

>

> Metformin (Glucophage)

> <http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/information/type-2/diabetes-treatment/big\

> uanides.html> is stopped prior to surgery or for medical tests that

> require intravenous contrast dyes to minimize the risk of lactic

> acidosis, a build up of lactic acid in the body. Cells produce this

> acid when they use glucose for energy in the absence of enough oxygen.

> (Remember running too hard or doing too much activity for what your

> body could normally handle causing muscles to burn for days? That is a

> mild form of lactic acidosis.)

>

> Lactic acidosis is extremely rare, but often fatal. It requires the

> right environment to take place, primarily kidneys

> <http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/information/complications/kidney/diabetes\

> -kidney.html> that are not functioning optimally. Contrast dye can be

> difficult for kidneys to clear out of your body. The last thing they

> need is an added burdened of having to process metformin, most of which

> is excreted by the kidneys unchanged. You can minimize your risk by

> staying hydrated and stopping metformin as advised.

>