Drug interactions
Insulin glargine + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Insulin glargine and Metformin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Metformin and insulin glargine are commonly combined and together improve glycemic control; hypoglycemia risk is modestly increased. Insulin needs may fall after metformin is added.
What this interaction means in plain words
Insulin glargine and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Insulin glargine belongs to Endocrine; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Complementary glucose lowering: insulin replacement and metformin reducing hepatic glucose output and improving insulin sensitivity.
What to do
Monitor glucose when starting or stopping metformin and adjust the insulin dose if hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Insulin glargine
Other interactions of Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Insulin glargine with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Insulin glargine and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Metformin and insulin glargine are commonly combined and together improve glycemic control; hypoglycemia risk is modestly increased. Insulin needs may fall after metformin is added.
How serious is the interaction between Insulin glargine and Metformin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor glucose when starting or stopping metformin and adjust the insulin dose if hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia develops.
What other medicines interact with Insulin glargine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Insulin glargine with, for example, Alogliptin-pioglitazone, Ethanol, Glimepiride-pioglitazone. The full list is on the Insulin glargine page.
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