Does Metformin Affect Your Kidneys?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 20th, 2026.
Metformin generally does not damage healthy kidneys, but kidney function affects how your body processes this diabetes medication. Your kidneys filter metformin from your blood, so reduced kidney function can cause the drug to accumulate to potentially dangerous levels. The FDA recommends avoiding metformin when estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls below 30 mL/min/1.73m². Healthcare providers typically monitor kidney function through creatinine and eGFR tests every 3-6 months for patients taking metformin. While metformin rarely causes kidney problems directly, it can increase risk of lactic acidosis in patients with severe kidney disease.
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