Re: Anyone else can't tolerate glucophage?
From: Janet (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 23 Sep 2003 23:23:09 -0500 (CDT)
Hi Donna,
Although there is always a possibility of lactic acidosis with metformin
it is extremely rare and associated with the elderly and people with
histories of alchoholism. I belive that 15 out of 10,000 people taking
metformin developed lactic acidosis, with 8 of them being fatalities.
All were over 75 and all had history of liver desease. If I can find
the link that has "offical numbers" I'll post it. I hate quoting things
I've read and not have the link to back me up. The main reason I wanted
to let you know this is that along with the tummy troubles, metformin
can make you very tired at first. I had about 6 weeks of needing naps
every day. This stopped just as suddenly a it started. The big problem
here is that some of the symptoms for lactic acidosis are very similar
to the side effects that can, but are not always associated with
metformin. With that said, if you and your doctor feel this drug isnt
safe for you, you do need to look elsewhere.
OK, for now we are going to say that you cannot take metformin. What
about avandia or actos??? ALso insulin sensitizers, these drugs work in
the muscles rather than the liver as metformin does and for many of us,
are tolerated much better. BCPs may eleviate some of the symptoms of
PCOS, but primarily they only mask the symptoms and do not do anything
for the insulin problem.
--
Janet Heller
At Tue, 23 Sep 2003, Donna wrote:
>
>Hi,
>I'm new to this forum and also new to PCOS. Mine is definitely the
>result of insulin resistance. I first began to identify problems about
>8 months ago. My cycle became very erratic. I have one child who is
>five and had no difficulty conceiving her, but a sibling had not been
>forthcoming. So, with these two concerns in mind, my ob/gyn took a look
>at my hormone levels which clearly pointed to PCOS.
>
>She recommended Glucophage and I began with 500mg., planning to switch
>to 1000 mg. after a week. I noticed some gastric side effects and my
>blood sugar definitely spiked up the first day (I saw floaters). I also
>noticed a heart arrythmia that worsened throughout the week rather than
>improved. Just a flutter, but becoming more frequent. My Ob/gyn didn't
>think it was associated and referred me back to my primary care
>physician. When I began the seconde daily dosage of Metfornin, I felt
>like I was 80 years old! I was lethargic, getting up planning my next
>nap, exhausted and very short of breath, with burning sensations in my
>muscles. I couldn't get to the top of our stairs without wanting to sit
>on the landing! I quit and within 24 hours felt energetic enough to get
>back on my treadmill. My Ob/gyn concluded that I am the one in a
>million that the glucophage can cause lactic acidosis in. Even though
>my liver and kidney panels were fine before I began the treatment.
>
>I just wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience with
>glucophage and if they've tried any other medications?
>
>Now, I had been 73 days without a period and when I did menstruate -- it
>was the period from h***! Now, it's been a month and I can't stop :( I'm
>scheduled for a D & C in the morning. I just don't think diet alone is
>going to turn my hormone levels around and the double birth control
>pills don't seem to make much difference. So, I'm thinking we're not
>going to find much change in my insulin levels even though I've lost
>some weight.
>
>Thanks,
>Donna
--
Email always welcome
Janet at JanetHeller@msn.com
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