💊 Metformin Counselling
High-Yield Notes Full Script

High-Yield OSCE Points 🧠

🎯 Purpose

🍴 How to Take

⚠️ Side Effects

🔬 Monitoring

❓ Missed Dose

Full Word-for-Word OSCE Script 📜

🩺 Set up

"Hi, I’m [Your Name], a medical student. I’ll wash my hands and put on some PPE if needed. Can I confirm your name and date of birth?"

"I see you’ve recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and have been started on metformin. Is it alright if I talk you through what this medicine does, how to take it, and what to look out for?"

"What do you know about metformin already, or do you have any concerns about starting it?"

💊 What is metformin and why do you need it?

"Metformin is a tablet that helps your body respond better to insulin and reduces the amount of sugar your liver makes. It’s usually the first tablet offered for type 2 diabetes."

"It may also help with weight loss and long-term diabetes complications."

🕒 How to take metformin

"You’ll usually start with a low dose, like 500mg once a day, and increase gradually. Always take it with food to reduce stomach upset and try to take it at the same time each day."

⚠️ Side effects and safety

"The most common side effects are tummy upset—nausea, diarrhoea, or cramps. These usually settle over time. Rarely, metformin can affect your kidneys or cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is why we check your kidney function before starting and every year."

📝 Monitoring & follow-up

"We’ll check your kidney function before starting, then at least once a year. You’ll also have regular diabetes reviews and foot checks."

🔁 Missed dose

"If you miss a dose, just take it when you remember, unless it’s close to your next one—then skip it. Never double up to make up for a missed dose."

❤️ Empathy & summary

"It’s normal to have questions or worries starting a new medicine. Would you like a leaflet or website about metformin and diabetes? Can you tell me what you’ll remember about how to take metformin, just to check I explained it clearly?"

"Do you have any other questions or concerns before we finish? Thank you for your time!"