PCOS-MEDICATION Messages for January, 2003: Re: Glucophage (metformin) and yeast infections

Re: Glucophage (metformin) and yeast infections

From: Carolyn (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 13 Jan 2003 17:35:25 -0600 (CST)

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Reply: K.: "Re: Glucophage (metformin) and yeast infections"

YES! My mom found this site several months ago when researching PCOS, as I had just been diagnosed. I've been on Metformin for 2-3 months now, and it seems within 3-4 weeks of taking it, I develop a yeast infection. I'd never had one before, so the first time was a bit worry-some. I stopped taking all meds (including stuff I take for carpal tunnel pain in my hands), and the infection seemed to subside after 4-5 days. I started Metformin again, and as before, within 3-4 weeks I developed another infection. This happened a total of 3 times.

What's worse is now that I've stopped taking the Metformin for over a week this 3rd time, my symptoms of dandruff & incredibly, embarassingly dry skin patches on my face have gotten 10 times worse. I didn't even leave my apartment this past weekend.

I finally called my doctor, asking if others had similar side effects. She was a bit shocked, and said perhaps my "sugar is too high". Then she asked if I'd been tested for the OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) to verify if in fact I had Diabetes -- she'd NEVER tested me in the first place, when I'm pretty certain she should have. The only test she'd given me was the Fasting Glucose Test, after having already prescribed the Metformin.

She said (and it says so in the medication warnings) that a patient should be tested for proper, healthy kidney function before prescribing Metformin/Glucophage -- she started writing the prescription, and I asked, "Don't you need to test my kidneys?" She said they tested fine. I have NO CLUE what "test" she meant here because that was the FIRST time I'd ever met her -- her office never conducted any blood or urine tests on me, and although I haven't an idea just HOW one would test my kidney function, I'm pretty certain she had no actual results pointing to my kidneys having been tested. Just goes to show how much we as patients have to become our own doctors, our own case-lawyers, following up & researching on every little detail, even if we feel it sounds like we're asking too many questions & annoying the doctor. ASK! ASK! ASK! It's your health, your life.

I won't know for several days if I in fact have Diabetes, but I don't seem to have the symptoms listed on WebMD, whereas I have nearly every symptom listed for PCOS. I'll update you if I hear any news clarifying the issue of YEAST INFECTIONS with Metformin.

--
==================================

At Mon, 13 Jan 2003, K. wrote:
>
>I've been receiving treatment for 10 months for Hashimoto's
>hypothyroidism.  The endocrinologist said that based on my medical
>history I probably have PCOS as well and put me on Glucophage
>(metformin).  I have tried this medication on three separate occasions
>and get a horrible yeast infection after about 4 weeks of treatment.  The
>endo says the Glucophage has nothing to do with it.  It will not go away
>until I stop taking the Glucophage.  I'm 39, had a successful pregnancy
>and not looking to get pregnant again but he wants me to stay on it.  I
>take no medications other than Synthroid.  Has anyone else had this
>problem?
>
>--
>K.
>

Next message: Victoria: "doctors recommendations"
Previous message: Nha: "Please recommended doctors in Northern NJ for PCOS"
In reply to: K.: "Glucophage (metformin) and yeast infections"
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