PCOS-MEDICATION Messages for April, 2002: Re: PCOS and Metformin Side Effects

Re: PCOS and Metformin Side Effects

From: Fergus (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 29 Apr 2002 03:52:12 -0700

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>----- Original Message -----
From: "Sue" <anonymous@obgyn.net> To: "Multiple recipients of list PCOS-MEDICATION" <pcos-medication@mail.medispecialty.com> Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 11:27 AM Subject: Re: PCOS and Metformin Side Effects

> But from what you described, you just had a reaction to alcohol and the
> met. There should be labels on your Rx from the pharmacy indicating
> that you shouldn't drink and take met.

According to rxlist.com:

"Patients should be cautioned against excessive alcohol intake, either acute or chronic, when taking metformin HCl, since alcohol potentiates the effects of metformin HCl on lactate metabolism."

I note the reference to "excessive alcohol intake". You seem to be stating that alcohol should be eliminated, but this site suggests instead that alcohol, if desired, should be consumed in moderation.

Since Jennifer had only one drink, she seems to be using her medication with adequate attention to the precautions. I think you could well be correct that some people tolerate metformin differently than others. Perhaps in Jennifer's case, she is more sensitive to alcohol and metformin together. It might also be that people who just recently started metformin are more sensitive to mixing the two; after all, when you first start metformin you experience more side effects.

Jennifer, I agree with what others have written. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor. You could also try Glucophage XR, a time-release version of metformin that is reported to have a lower incidence of side effects in some cases. The important thing to remember is that a large minority of metformin users have a bad reaction at first but can adjust to the drug over time.

What you describe sounds horrendous. Some additional things that might help are paying close attention to what you eat and drink and how you feel (keep a log) and lowering your dosage and raising it again later when you are tolerating the medication better. If you notice that certain things, perhaps alcohol, are triggering a more intense set of side effects, temporarily eliminate them while you adjust to the medication.

Glucophage has done a lot for many PCOS sufferers. It's easy for me to tell you to persevere since I don't have to deal with the consequences, but it should get better; and Glucophage can be an enormous help to you once you get beyond the adjustment.

Next message: anonymous: "Re: what kind of side effects did you experience with spironlactone??"
Previous message: Victoria: "Re: pregnancy and metformin"
Maybe in reply to: Jennifer: "PCOS and Metformin Side Effects"

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