We have been made aware that outside the UK very low amounts of an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), have been found in some metformin diabetes medicines.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised patients in the UK to continue taking their metformin medicines as usual. The risks from not having adequate diabetes treatment far outweigh any possible effects of the low levels of NDMA seen in metformin medicines outside the UK.
As these metformin medicines are also available in Europe and outside the EU, the MHRA is working closely with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other regulatory authorities to determine whether any further action is required and will continue to keep patients updated as more information becomes available.
Emma Elvin, our Senior Clinical Advisor, said:
“Many people use metformin to treat their type 2 diabetes – it is vital in helping manage the condition and reduces their risk of long-term complications. We recommend UK patients continue taking metformin as prescribed, pending MHRA’s decision whether further action is required. If you have any concerns, please speak to your healthcare team.”
