What side effect may occur with the use of biguanides?

Biguanides, such as metformin, are commonly used medications for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. One notable side effect of biguanides is gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea. Nausea often occurs as the gastrointestinal system adjusts to the medication, especially during the initial phase of treatment or with dose increases. This side effect is generally transient and can often be mitigated by taking the medication with food.

In contrast, edema is not typically associated with biguanides but may be more relevant to medications like thiazolidinediones. Hypoglycemia is also not a common side effect of biguanides when used alone, as they primarily lower blood glucose by reducing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity rather than stimulating insulin secretion. Muscle pain is not primarily linked with biguanides either; it is more associated with certain other diabetes medications, particularly statins.

Therefore, nausea is a well-recognized side effect of biguanides, emphasizing the importance of monitoring patients for gastrointestinal symptoms during the initiation and adjustment of therapy.