yes, but most all drugs are made from herbs and ppl take herbs every day. i think the term drug is what might worry people. it is more like a supplement, actually. life extension drugs are drugs that extend life and do not have bad side effects. they can have temporary side effects like most things you begin taking that wears off as you build a tolerance, such as headache, nausea. also, acidosis is rare and millions are on metformin with no acidosis. i only see benefits to taking it.