The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted laboratory results showing N- Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) levels in some metformin products approved in the U.S. The FDA has determined that the levels of NDMA in metformin products tested range from not detectable to low levels. To date, no sample of metformin that the FDA has tested exceeds the acceptable daily intake for NDMA. FDA has not recommended metformin recalls in the U.S.
Metformin is a prescription drug used to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients should continue taking metformin to keep their diabetes under control. It could be dangerous for patients with this serious condition to stop taking their metformin without first talking to their health care professionals.
The FDA plans to post the methods used in laboratory testing of metformin in the near future. Additionally, the FDA is collaborating with international regulators to share testing results for metformin, along with testing results for other drugs.
The FDA will continue to monitor NDMA in metformin, along with other drugs products, and will provide timely updates of new developments, including product recalls.