A Rare Outcome Induced by Metformin Intoxication: Severe Lactic Acidosis and Hepatotoxicity

Abstract

Abstract Metformin is a widely used oral anti-diabetic agent that decreases insulin resistance. Lactic acidosis rarely develops with this medication. Metformin-induced hepatotoxicity has been rarely reported in the literature. We describe a patient, who presented with lactic acidosis and hepatotoxicity after ingestion of 40 pills of metformin in order to commit suicide. The most important treatment step in patients with metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) is high-volume hemodialysis and hemofiltration.