Photosensitivity induced by metformin: a report of 3 cases
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metformin is an oral antihypoglycemic drug. Its cutaneous side effects are rare and photosensitivity had not been reported.
AIM: Case report.
CASE REPORT: We report 3 cases (a man and two women) of photosensitivity induced by metformin, notified to the Tunisian National Centre of Pharmacovigilance. Onset of the reaction was respectively 22 days, 4 months and 4 years. Daily dose of metformin varied from 1 to 2 tablets. Cutaneous lesions were located in sun-exposed sites in all cases with extension to the back in one case. Lesions were eczematous in two cases and erythematous in one case. Lesions healed after stopping metformin in all cases with positive rechallenge in the 1st case.
CONCLUSION: In patient treated by metformin, occurrence of photosensitivity can be related to this drug.
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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