Chemo and metformin

[Lesley V]

I usually have 2000mg of metformin a day but because of chemo I have had to stop, also because of weight loss and lack of appetite I have a high protein "rubbish" diet. Help. What can I do, worried my diabetes is going to be out of control. Anyone else had this problem?

 

[Amigo]

I usually have 2000mg of metformin a day but because of chemo I have had to stop, also because of weight loss and lack of appetite I have a high protein "rubbish" diet. Help. What can I do, worried my diabetes is going to be out of control. Anyone else had this problem?

Hi Lesley, have the specialists actually said you must stop Metformin for the duration of the chemo or has it become necessary due to the weight loss and lack of appetite (which maybe has reduced the need).
It’s curious because Metformin and chemo are being investigated as effective anti tumour treatments used in unison so wouldn’t appear to be a regime that have to be avoided together.
I’d speak to your Consultant about it for advice. One of the issues with chemo and diabetes is when steroids are given as part of the cancer treatment. Good luck and hope all goes well.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27118574

 

[grovesy]

I agree you need to discuss this with the team that are treating you.

 

[Lesley V]

Hi Lesley, have the specialists actually said you must stop Metformin for the duration of the chemo or has it become necessary due to the weight loss and lack of appetite (which maybe has reduced the need).
It’s curious because Metformin and chemo are being investigated as effective anti tumour treatments used in unison so wouldn’t appear to be a regime that have to be avoided together.
I’d speak to your Consultant about it for advice. One of the issues with chemo and diabetes is when steroids are given as part of the cancer treatment. Good luck and hope all goes well.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27118574

After I had my bloods taken before my last chemo, my kidney function wasn't good so told by consultant to stop metformin. I guess it depends on the chemo used

 

[Amigo]

After I had my bloods taken before my last chemo, my kidney function wasn't good so told by consultant to stop metformin. I guess it depends on the chemo used

Yes it probably does Lesley. Best to be guided by the medics on this if your kidneys were impacted. I know my fellow sufferers continue on Metformin on the chemo we need (FCR) but it must depend on the type and the effect on other organs. I hope it does well for you without adverse side effects.