Lactic Acidosis Associated With Metformin in a Patient With Type 2 Diabetes With No Contraindication

Metformin is a frequent treatment for overweight type 2 patients with diabetes. Lactic acidosis (LA) is considered to be a rare, but potentially lethal adverse event associated with metformin. We describe a 52-year-old diabetic patient, with no contra indication to metformin, who had an unequivocal episode of LA related to the drug. After intensive supportive treatment, a fast recovery was observed. Considering putative benefits attributed to metformin, contraindications to this drug are being debated. The association of metformin with LA should be kept in mind when dealing with acute situations such as that presented by the patient described.