Why does Metformin smell like fish?

Drugs.com

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Pharmacists and patients are well aware that metformin may come with a fishy smell when you open the bottle. The smell does not mean the drug is spoiled, it's just due to it's inherent chemical characteristics.

Metformin (brand names: Glumetza, Riomet, Riomet ER) is associated with relatively few side effects, but nausea may be one of them, possibly due to this 'fishy' odor. Many patients may not be able to tolerate this medicine due to the odor.

According to a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, some extended-release, film-coated forms of metformin have a lower odor, and may be less likely to cause nausea. If you can't tolerate your metformin, let your doctor know. A switch to the extended-release form or a different manufacturer may do the trick.

Metformin is a widely prescribed medication for the initial treatment of type 2 diabetes, and may even be used in prediabetes. Don't stop treatment on your own, always consults with your doctor.

Related: Metformin side effects (in more detail)

Related medical questions

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords