Metformin is one of the diabetes medications that can cause a hypoglycaemic event (a blood glucose level under 4mmol/L that should be treated with refined sugar).

Consideration should be given for ceasing metformin temporarily in the following:

Mrs Smith has been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and recently started on metformin XR 1000mg two tablets daily. As the pharmacist you have time to interact and give her some advice. Which best describes the scenario that is most likely to help Mrs Smith in this situation?

Mr Jones has been on metformin 500mg three times a day with food for approximately 5 years. Lately he has started to notice every time he eats out, he has an upset stomach the next day. He has come to you to ask your advice. How do you best address this enquiry?