Probable hepatotoxicity associated with the use of metformin in type 2 diabetes

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Sep 13:2011:bcr0420114092. doi: 10.1136/bcr.04.2011.4092.

Abstract

This is a case report of a 44-year-old obese female who developed subclinical hepatic injury 4 weeks after starting metformin for type 2 diabetes. She had a rise in her alanine aminotransferase which peaked at 5 months (738 U/l) and rapidly declined within days of discontinuing her metformin. No other positive evidence of alternative causes for the hepatic injury was found. The likelihood of metformin-induced injury was 7 on the Naranjo scale of adverse drug reactions. A brief review of the 11 previously reported cases in the English medical literature is also made.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / diagnosis*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Metformin / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin