Public advised to continue taking metformin medication

The Barbados Drug Service (BDS) has advised diabetic patients who use the pharmaceutical drug, metformin, that they should continue to use this medication and discuss any concerns with their physicians.

In a statement today, the BDS said that it had been drawn to its attention that some patients had either stopped or were concerned about taking long acting metformin following statements in the overseas media about concerns raised about the drug by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA).

The medication is prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

According to the BDS, as a result of a press release issued by the FDA, the pharmaceutical corporation, Apotex, voluntarily withdrew its brand of metformin from the market but the BDS made it clear that this brand was not available in Barbados.

The statement cautioned: “The current situation does not warrant patients ceasing to take this medication. Patients who have been prescribed metformin are advised to discuss their concerns with their physician, should they need further reassurance about taking the drug.” (BGIS)