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Should Metformin (500 Mg) Be Stopped Before Having CT Scan With IV Contrast?
I took my first dose of metformin (500 mg) today. I have a CT scan of abdomen/pelvis 10/25 at 11 AM with IV contrast. I just read that metformin should be stopped before having IV contrast.When should I stop taking metformin? Can I still have my CT scan?Thank you.
Mon, 9 Nov 2015
Hi & Welcome.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, Metformin should be stopped before having CT scan.
These medicines may interact and cause very harmful effects & hence should be not taken together.
The radio contrast dye used for CT scan can damage the kidneys which is however temporary & reversible.
Metformin (drug used to treat diabetes) is excreted primarily by the kidneys, so the radio contrast dye can increase the level of Metformin in the blood because damaged kidneys are not as effective at removing Metformin from the body.
High levels of Metformin in the blood increase the risk of Lactic acidosis which is a life threatening medical condition.
To prevent this complication, Metformin should be stopped on the day (10/25) of the procedure (or earlier). If renal functions (using a blood tests) are normal at 48 hours, the Metformin can be restarted.
Following these precautions greatly reduces your chance of developing lactic acidosis after a procedure involving radio contrast dye.
Hope this answers your query.
A feed back is appreciated.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, Metformin should be stopped before having CT scan.
These medicines may interact and cause very harmful effects & hence should be not taken together.
The radio contrast dye used for CT scan can damage the kidneys which is however temporary & reversible.
Metformin (drug used to treat diabetes) is excreted primarily by the kidneys, so the radio contrast dye can increase the level of Metformin in the blood because damaged kidneys are not as effective at removing Metformin from the body.
High levels of Metformin in the blood increase the risk of Lactic acidosis which is a life threatening medical condition.
To prevent this complication, Metformin should be stopped on the day (10/25) of the procedure (or earlier). If renal functions (using a blood tests) are normal at 48 hours, the Metformin can be restarted.
Following these precautions greatly reduces your chance of developing lactic acidosis after a procedure involving radio contrast dye.
Hope this answers your query.
A feed back is appreciated.
I find this answer helpful
Hi & Welcome.
I can understand your concern for the possible interaction between Metformin & IV radio contrast for CT scan.
Yes, Metformin should be stopped while taking the IV contrast.
These medicines may interact and cause very harmful effects and are usually not taken together. The effects of Metformin may increase and cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis.
The radio contrast dye is used for CT scan to produce clear radiology images. The dye can damage the kidneys. Usually this damage is temporary & corrects itself quickly.
However, because Metformin is excreted primarily by the kidneys, the contrast dye can increase the level of Metformin in the blood because damaged kidneys are not as effective at removing Metformin from the body.
High levels of Metformin in the blood increase the risk of Lactic acidosis which is a life threatening condition.
To avoid this complication, Metformin should be stopped on the day of the procedure (or earlier). If renal functions (using a blood tests) are normal at 48 hours, then Metformin can be restarted.
Hope this answers your query.
A feed back is appreciated.
I can understand your concern for the possible interaction between Metformin & IV radio contrast for CT scan.
Yes, Metformin should be stopped while taking the IV contrast.
These medicines may interact and cause very harmful effects and are usually not taken together. The effects of Metformin may increase and cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis.
The radio contrast dye is used for CT scan to produce clear radiology images. The dye can damage the kidneys. Usually this damage is temporary & corrects itself quickly.
However, because Metformin is excreted primarily by the kidneys, the contrast dye can increase the level of Metformin in the blood because damaged kidneys are not as effective at removing Metformin from the body.
High levels of Metformin in the blood increase the risk of Lactic acidosis which is a life threatening condition.
To avoid this complication, Metformin should be stopped on the day of the procedure (or earlier). If renal functions (using a blood tests) are normal at 48 hours, then Metformin can be restarted.
Hope this answers your query.
A feed back is appreciated.
I find this answer helpful
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