Metformin — Research Protocol
⚠️ RESEARCH SUMMARY — NOT A TREATMENT PROTOCOL. Discuss all findings with your healthcare provider.
Metformin is under investigation for longevity (TAME trial) and cancer prevention. Dosing regimens in published literature vary. This page summarizes published research protocols. It is not a guide for self-treatment. Discuss any treatment decisions with your physician.
Research Dosing (from Published Studies)
| Context | Dose | Route | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAME trial (longevity) | Dosing regimens in published literature vary — consult the cited studies for details | Oral | See cited trial | Targeting Aging with Metformin. Primary endpoint: composite of age-related diseases. Published studies have investigated various dosing approaches. |
| Cancer prevention (epidemiological) | Dosing regimens in published literature vary — consult the cited studies for details | Oral | See cited trial | Epidemiological data has reported 30-40% cancer risk differences in diabetic patients on metformin. Causality not established. |
| Exercise interaction note | N/A | N/A | N/A | MASTERS trial reported that metformin may blunt some exercise-induced skeletal muscle adaptations. See the cited study for details. |
Pharmacokinetics
Oral bioavailability 50-60%. Not metabolized — excreted unchanged by kidneys. Half-life 4-8.7 hours. Extended-release formulations improve GI tolerability. Steady-state reached in 24-48 hours.
Safety Profile
GI side effects (diarrhea, nausea, bloating) in 20-30% — usually transient with gradual dose titration. Vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use (~6-9% of patients). Rare: lactic acidosis (0.03 per 1000 patient-years, primarily in renal impairment).
Contraindications
- eGFR <30 mL/min
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Acute conditions with risk of tissue hypoperfusion (sepsis, MI, shock)
- History of lactic acidosis
- Excessive alcohol intake
Monitoring Parameters
- Renal function (eGFR) — baseline and at least annually
- Vitamin B12 levels — annually with long-term use
- CBC — periodically
- Lactic acid — if symptoms of lactic acidosis develop