Glucophage

[keith2904]

When diagnosed Type 2 in 2005 I was put on Metformin which caused me loads of problems, So I went on slow release metformin, Glucophage, which was better but still had bad side effects so I was put on Diagamet which caused no problems at all. Now the Health Board have said Diagamet can no longer be prescribed so I am back on Glucophage and the same side effects have come back. (headache, stomach probs, aching muslcles and depression) Been told there is no alterative and I have to learn to live with it. I'm fed up and thinking about just not taking anything.

 

[grovesy]

When diagnosed Type 2 in 2005 I was put on Metformin which caused me loads of problems, So I went on slow release metformin, Glucophage, which was better but still had bad side effects so I was put on Diagamet which caused no problems at all. Now the Health Board have said Diagamet can no longer be prescribed so I am back on Glucophage and the same side effects have come back. (headache, stomach probs, aching muslcles and depression) Been told there is no alterative and I have to learn to live with it. I'm fed up and thinking about just not taking anything.

I find this strange as my prescription for the last 18 months or so is for Diagamet, though my last 2 issues I have not had as there is a supply problem, I have been issued with one called Bolymin ( tablets are large), and Metabat . These are just 2 other brands of slow release Metformin I believe there are others too.

 

[Bubbsie]

Hi Keith...when the medication was changed...was any reason given for it?...just wondering if the 'Health Board' would be the equivalent of what I would refer to as The CCG (clinical commissioning group)...who may have advised your GP or surgery to stop prescribing it...possibly due to cost...I did have a quick look at Diagamet on DR Google...couldn't see anything detrimental about it...although some information I saw had others complaining they had been on SR Metformin...which had been substituted with Diagamet...which gave them bad side effects...please don't stop taking the medication without speaking to your GP...I would ask your surgery why your medication has been changed...nonsense to say you have to live with it...headaches...digestive problems...depression & aching muscles...why on earth should you be subjected to further health problems..as said the switch could be due to a cost cutting exercise...no idea whether Diagamet is more expensive than Metformin...possibly others will know the answer to that...firmly believe you should put your concerns in writing to your GP...if the symptoms you are experiencing continue...exacerbate... that could necessitate more appointments with your GP...further prescriptions...how on earth does that benefit you or the NHS...if you could answer the above points...we may be able to make some suggestions on how to improve/resolve your problem...if it is cost cutting...that's just not cost effective...nor any benefit to the patient (YOU)...if it is a directive from your health board (are you in Scotland?)...then that can be challenged...very interested to hear the how this progresses...and if you need it...would certainly be prepared to give you a hand with that...good luck...keep us updated.

 

[Bubbsie]

Just had another look on Dr Google...the active ingredient is listed as Metformin Hydrochloride (never knew that...you probably did...pardon my ignorance here Keith)...so it seems it's another generic brand of Metformin...confusing...not really I suppose since there are so many...I have no doubt your symptoms are causing you a great deal of distress...have you gone back to the standard version of Metformin...or the SR one?...if as @grovesy says there is a problem with the supply of Diagamet...then that could be the explanation...but...that doesn't mean your GP shouldn't consider another version to alleviate your symptoms....I would urge you to take this further with your practice.

 

[MikeTurin]

@Bubbsie: I've looked at it, it's the same "generic" metformin you'll find in Glucophage ot the Generics ones TEVA,Mylan,...

I've found that for me all are the same but the TEVA one has pills with a bitter taste I don't like so I use other generics. In UK could you ask the pharmacy to change to an equivalent version of a prescription? I could take Glucopage pills that are costing a bit more than the Mylan ones, and pay the price difference because have the same components and SSN pays the base price.

 

[Bubbsie]

@Bubbsie: I've looked at it, it's the same "generic" metformin you'll find in Glucophage ot the Generics ones TEVA,Mylan,...

I've found that for me all are the same but the TEVA one has pills with a bitter taste I don't like so I use other generics. In UK could you ask the pharmacy to change to an equivalent version of a prescription? I could take Glucopage pills that are costing a bit more than the Mylan ones, and pay the price difference because have the same components and SSN pays the base price.

No idea Mike if the pharmacist can change to another 'version' without a GP's consent...would seem sensible if they could after discussion with the patient...I started on the standard Metformin...initially had 'those' problems...luckily they only lasted for a couple of weeks...still on the standard 'cheaper' version...doesn't cause me any problems presently...only difference being...my dose has been reduced...down to just one a day now.

 

[Drummer]

I was prescribed the dreadful stuff - the normal Metformin, and stuck if for five weeks or so - along with Atorvastatin.
I was so ill I stopped taking it just before Christmas 2016, telling myself that I would contact the surgery after Christmas. By January I was feeling so much better that I did not make an appointment, and by February my numbers were so much improved that I didn't bother - the doctor didn't want to see me anyway.
Just altering my diet was enough to bring my Hba1c right down - it is in the normal range now, so I'd not fret too much about taking the nasty type.

Even if you can tolerate it in one form, if that is not available then making yourself ill or miserable is hardly worth the pain.