Can metformin prevent long Covid?

Yes, early use of metformin during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection can reduce the risk of developing clinician-diagnosed long Covid by approximately 40% to 50%.

Long Covid, also known as post-Covid-19 condition, involves symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathing difficulties that persist for weeks or months after acute infection.

Who should not take metformin for long Covid prevention?

Metformin is not suitable for individuals with severe kidney disease, severe liver disease, or certain metabolic conditions due to potential risks.

Home / Health / Diabetes Drug Halves Long Covid Risk

Diabetes Drug Halves Long Covid Risk

4 Feb

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Summary

Early metformin use reduces long Covid risk by up to 50%.
COVID-OUT and ACTIV-6 trials confirm metformin's preventive benefits.
Metformin is safe but not for those with severe kidney/liver issues.

Long Covid, characterized by persistent fatigue, brain fog, and breathing difficulties, affects millions globally for months or years post-infection. Recent findings suggest that metformin, a widely used type 2 diabetes medication, can significantly lower the risk of developing these prolonged symptoms. When started early during an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, metformin has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the likelihood of clinician-diagnosed long Covid by approximately 40% to 50%.

The COVID-OUT trial indicated a 41% reduction in long Covid risk with metformin, with even greater benefits when initiated within three days of symptom onset. Further bolstering these findings, the ACTIV-6 trial reported about 50% lower rates of long Covid among metformin recipients. These consistent results from multiple studies highlight metformin's potential as a preventive measure against long Covid.