Metformin dosage

[Dazpopjen]

Hi I've been diagnosed since Feb 2017. My last blood test showed a reading of 53 from 47 previously and my GP raised my Metformin dosage from 500 mg to 2000mg per day. I thought this was excessive and did question the diabetic nurse. Does anyone have any comments or advise please. Many thanks

 

[Deleted member 27171]

Hi @Dazpopjen welcome to the forum.

Generally increases in Metformin are advised more gradually (See NICE guidance below), but in practice doses may be adjusted differently based on clinical judgement. Did the nurse explain the need for a larger increase when you asked?

Metformin hydrochloride | Drugs | BNF content published by NICE

View metformin hydrochloride information, including dose, uses, side-effects, renal impairment, pregnancy, breast feeding, contra-indications and monitoring requirements.

bnf.nice.org.uk

 

[grovesy]

I watched a video on the My Desmond site and the consultant said to raise slowly.

 

[Dazpopjen]

Hi @Dazpopjen welcome to the forum.

Generally increases in Metformin are advised more gradually (See NICE guidance below), but in practice doses may be adjusted differently based on clinical judgement. Did the nurse explain the need for a larger increase when you asked?

Metformin hydrochloride | Drugs | BNF content published by NICE

View metformin hydrochloride information, including dose, uses, side-effects, renal impairment, pregnancy, breast feeding, contra-indications and monitoring requirements.

bnf.nice.org.uk

The nurse thought it was a big jump also. I've been having some seeming side affects, lack of appetite, diarrhea so I'm a little worried. I intend to go back to the GP. Thank you for taking the time to answer me x

 

[Dazpopjen]

I watched a video on the My Desmond site and the consultant said to raise slowly.

Thank you for taking the time to reply, I will go back to get this checked out now COVId is calming down

 

[Deleted member 27171]

The nurse thought it was a big jump also. I've been having some seeming side affects, lack of appetite, diarrhea so I'm a little worried. I intend to go back to the GP. Thank you for taking the time to answer me x

I think that avoiding side effects is the biggest reason for the gradual increase, hopefully the GP will sort quickly for you and may well be able to just advise over the phone.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thank you for taking the time to reply, I will go back to get this checked out now COVId is calming down

Welcome to the forum @Dazpopjen

Hooe you can manage to speak to your GP about your concerns before too long.