Metformin advice please

[Phil65]

Hi all, I saw my gp today and together with my consultant they think it will be a good idea to start me on metformin, reason being my insulin sensitivity and that I am putting on weight.... probably as a result of increase in insulin.

I have a few questions:

1) I've heard that metformin can cause liver damage.......I am a moderate drinker...is alcohol a problem?

2) Does Metformin help you to lose weight? (I need to lose 2 or 3 stone)

3) Other than the obvious does it have other negative side effects? or indeed positive?

I am starting on 250g a day for the 1st week, 500g 2nd week, 750g 3rd week and then 1000g 4th week.

...Any advice appreciated.

 

[SimplesL]

Hi Phil


Metformin is the only diabetic med I'm on so I'll let you know how it is for me.

(1) Not sure about damaging the liver; it does act on the liver to I think inhibit the liver from dumping glucose in your system and improve your insulin resistance. My dad was on metformin for years no damage to his liver, Kidneys on the other hand!. Basically you should have annual checks on liver & kidneys keep an eye on the results. I think I did have a liver check when I first went on them but no issues.

(2) I've lost a little weight after taking metformin. It also coincided with me increasing exercise by going to the gym 4 to 5 times a week for my 30 minute circuit training I do. I've dropped 2 dress sizes.

(3) Positive my HBA1c has dropped from 8.9 on diagnoses in Sept 10 to 6 in June. I was also told it helps to protect the heart. Only negative I had was when I was on 4x500g tabs a day(now down to 2); a little windy at times & a few tummy aches for the first couple of days apart from that no issues.

Hope this helps

 

[jalapino]

Hi phil.....space out the tabs through the day...they ermmm make you wanna go toilet....and tummy cramps...but normally goes after a month...good for your heart as well...so my dia nurse tells me good luck!! 🙂

 

[itsallgood]

Agree with the above, if they upset your stomach too much you might be better off with the SR (sustained release) version. I have to take 2000mg per day and they do make me blow off... a lot. The cat seems to enjoy that though.

 

[jalapino]

LOL....hope your cat has a gas mask he he ;0)

 

[Mark T]

Your most likely ok with drinking. There is a risk of lactic acidosis but it's rare and you need to be drinking gallons.

I've not had a problem and I probably drink 8 or 9 glasses of wine over the week.

 

[Caroline]

Hi all, I saw my gp today and together with my consultant they think it will be a good idea to start me on metformin, reason being my insulin sensitivity and that I am putting on weight.... probably as a result of increase in insulin.

I have a few questions:

1) I've heard that metformin can cause liver damage.......I am a moderate drinker...is alcohol a problem?

2) Does Metformin help you to lose weight? (I need to lose 2 or 3 stone)

3) Other than the obvious does it have other negative side effects? or indeed positive?

I am starting on 250g a day for the 1st week, 500g 2nd week, 750g 3rd week and then 1000g 4th week.

...Any advice appreciated.

I haven't herad metformin causes liver damage, have you read the patinet information leaflet?

It does help loose weight in that it kills the sppetitie a bit, which is why it is often given to those of us witha lot to hug

Not sure how true it is but I heard it gives some protection to the ladies against breast cancer, but don't quote me on it

 

[Well.legless.69]

I found it upset my tummy windy ect so doc advised glucophage sr instead but I've got ibs so everything can upset my tummy lol

 

[Mark T]

Well, from the bnf web site, it lists the following cautions

see notes above; determine renal function before treatment and at least annually (at least twice a year in patients with additional risk factors for renal impairment, or if deterioration suspected);

...

Withdraw or interrupt treatment in those at risk of tissue hypoxia or sudden deterioration in renal function, such as those with dehydration, severe infection, shock, sepsis, acute heart failure, respiratory failure or hepatic impairment, or those who have recently had a myocardial infarction

and the following side effects:

anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (usually transient), abdominal pain, taste disturbance, rarely lactic acidosis (withdraw treatment), decreased vitamin-B12 absorption, erythema, pruritus and urticaria; hepatitis also reported