title: Long term use of metformin leading to vitamin B 12 deficiency.
abstract: Metformin is a commonly used oral hypoglycaemic agent worldwide. Gastrointestinal side effects and lactic acidosis related to metformin usage are commonly recognized. However, the associated vitamin B12 deficiency is less well known. We present a case of long term metformin use resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency.
authors.affiliation: National University Hospital, Haematology-Oncology, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore. Electronic address: moon_ley_tung@nuhs.edu.sg.
authors.forename: Moon Ley
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Tung
authors.affiliation: National University Hospital, Haematology-Oncology, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore.
authors.forename: Lip Kun
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008687:Metformin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin
keywords: Metformin; Pancytopaenia; Vitamin B12 deficiency