[Follow-up of the use of metformin among the high risk population]

To perform a follow-up of the use of metformin in order to ensure the appropriate prescription of the drug among the population with the highest risk of adverse reactions.

A prospective follow-up was conducted of the use of metformin during a four-month period. In the patients recruited for the study, the following data were recorded: age, sex, weight and height, cause of hospitalization, pharmacotherapeutic profile, origin of the prescription (prior to hospitalization or during the hospital stay), glycemia, renal function, side effects and cause of the discontinuation of the treatment, if appropriate.

The mean number of patients hospitalized each day during the study period was 352 (standard deviation +/- 36,8), the mean age was 73 years (33-102) and the total number of patients studied was 135, with 46% of males.Since prescription of metformin is contraindicated in patients with creatinine values > 0.132 mMol/L, renal function was monitored. Based on the data of 20 patients, six pharmaceutical interventions were performed in order to recommend the discontinuation of the treatment, which was accepted in 83% of the cases. Side effects and glycemia were also recorded.

During the follow-up period, we did not observe any severe side effects such as associated lactic acidosis, although in some cases metformin was prescribed to patients in which it was not recommended. However, the follow-up of patients is important, since we have observed side effects (diarrhea) that require reduction of the dose of metformin.