Metformin photosensitivity

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Metformin-Induced Photosensitivity: Clinical Evidence and Case Reports

Photosensitivity as a side effect of metformin is rare but has been documented. In a report of three cases, patients developed photosensitive skin reactions after starting metformin therapy. The onset of symptoms ranged from 22 days to 4 years after beginning treatment, with daily doses between one and two tablets. The skin lesions appeared on sun-exposed areas and included eczematous and erythematous reactions. All cases resolved after discontinuing metformin, and a positive rechallenge confirmed the drug’s role in at least one patient. This evidence suggests that, although uncommon, metformin can cause photosensitivity in some individuals .

Metformin and Light-Based Therapies: Potential Photosensitizing Effects

Recent research has explored the combination of metformin with laser irradiation as a potential anti-cancer therapy. In vitro studies on head and neck cancer cells found that metformin’s cytotoxic effects were enhanced when combined with laser light, even without a traditional photosensitizer. This raises the possibility that metformin itself may have photosensitizing properties, although further research is needed to confirm this mechanism and its clinical relevance .

Conclusion

While metformin-induced photosensitivity is rare, clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect, especially in patients presenting with unexplained skin reactions in sun-exposed areas. Emerging research also suggests that metformin may interact with light-based therapies, possibly acting as a functional photosensitizer, but more studies are required to clarify this effect.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

[Photosensitivity induced by metformin: a report of 3 cases].

Metformin use can cause photosensitivity in patients, with lesions healing after stopping the drug.

Case Report

2009·

8citations

·S. Kastalli et al.

Metformin enhances the radiosensitizing effect of cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines with different cisplatin sensitivities

Metformin enhances the radiosensitizing effect of cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer cells, potentially increasing their radiosensitivity to radiation.

In Vitro StudyRigorous Journal

2019·

48citations

·M. A. Riaz et al.

Metformin increases the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells by destabilizing NRF2.

Metformin increases radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells by destabilizing NRF2, potentially making it a potential radiotherapy sensitizer for lung cancer.

Non-RCTAnimal Study

2022·

18citations

·Xiaohui Sun et al.

Role of the p53/miR-34a/SIRT1 Feedback Loop in Metformin-induced Radiosensitivity of Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Metformin increases radiosensitivity in colorectal cancer cells by modulating the p53/miR-34a/SIRT1 loop, leading to decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis.

In Vitro Study

2025·

3citations

·Ensiyeh Bahadoran et al.

Combination of Metformin and Laser against Head and Neck Cancer Cells In Vitro

Metformin combined with laser irradiation significantly increases the cytotoxic effect on head and neck cancer cells, potentially offering a new anti-tumor treatment.

2023·

2citations

·Ghasem Ebrahimi et al.

Metformin inhibits the development, and promotes the resensitization, of treatment-resistant breast cancer

Metformin can prevent multiple drug resistance development and resensitize treatment-resistant breast cancer cells to chemotherapy, offering potential clinical use against MDR cancers.

Rigorous Journal

2017·

51citations

·G. Davies et al.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Metformin Action

Metformin's glucose-lowering effect in type 2 diabetes is primarily due to its inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis, with recent studies suggesting a redox-dependent mechanism at clinically relevant concentrations.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2020·

453citations

·Traci E LaMoia et al.

Metformin Increases the Chemosensitivity of Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Gemcitabine by Reversing EMT Through Regulation DNA Methylation of miR-663

Metformin increases pancreatic cancer cells' chemosensitivity to gemcitabine by reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and regulating miR-663 DNA methylation.

In Vitro Study

2020·

17citations

·Yuqing Gu et al.

A reappraisal on metformin

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug that reduces type 2 diabetes risk, may reduce cancer risk, and may have beneficial effects in obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease.

Highly Cited

2018·

74citations

·T. Adak et al.

Metformin in therapeutic applications in human diseases: its mechanism of action and clinical study

Metformin is beneficial for neurodegenerative diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome, aging, cancer, and COVID-19, but may cause gastrointestinal complaints and lactic acidosis.

Literature Review

2022·

44citations

·Yang Du et al.

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