I am about to start taking Metformin for insulin resistance. What should I expect?
I was told that I have insulin resistance by the endocrinologist yesterday. She gave me a prescription for the extended release metformin. What side effects are there that you have experienced if you take it? Also, did it help you lose weight. Im already eating healthy and less, but the weight isnt moving. Will metformin help?
Good job – changing your diet is hard, but soo important for you to remain in contorl of your diabetes. Have you tried adding some exercise to your day, even something small like taking the stairs and parking further away can make a difference.
As a nurse I see horrible side effects from diabetes that wasn’t controlled well every day. It effects every part of your body, but I have to say the only side effect I’ve seen from any oral hypoglycemic (the class that metformin is in) is low blood sugar.
Metformin should never be taken on a day that you are not going to be eating. It could drop your blood sugar too low. (If your doctor told you sonething different than me – listen to him. This pill is less likely to be a problem than most)
From Web MD: This medication does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, low blood sugar may occur, especially if you take other medications for diabetes, drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise, or do not consume enough calories from food.
Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or a metallic taste in the mouth may occur at first as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If stomach symptoms return later (after you are on the same dose for several days or weeks), tell your doctor immediately. Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of your treatment may be a sign of lactic acidosis.
I have never seen this side effect, but it is listed:Metformin can rarely cause a serious (sometimes fatal) condition called lactic acidosis. Stop taking metformin and seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis: unusual tiredness, severe drowsiness, chills, blue/cold skin, muscle pain, fast/difficult breathing, unusually slow/irregular heartbeat.
Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur in patients who have certain medical conditions, including kidney or liver disease, conditions that may cause a low oxygen blood level or poor circulation (e.g., severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke), heavy alcohol use, a severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), X-ray or scanning procedures that require an injectable iodinated contrast drug, recent surgery, or a serious infection. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these conditions occur or if you notice a big change in your overall health. You may need to stop taking metformin temporarily. The elderly are also at higher risk, especially those older than 80 years who have not had kidney tests. (See also Side Effects and Precautions sections.)
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:37 am
One of the side effects of Metformin actually, is weight gain. I don’t know about the other side effects, but just eat healthy and excercise to keep a normal and healthy weight. Good luck!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin
References :
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:20 am
Good job – changing your diet is hard, but soo important for you to remain in contorl of your diabetes. Have you tried adding some exercise to your day, even something small like taking the stairs and parking further away can make a difference.
As a nurse I see horrible side effects from diabetes that wasn’t controlled well every day. It effects every part of your body, but I have to say the only side effect I’ve seen from any oral hypoglycemic (the class that metformin is in) is low blood sugar.
Metformin should never be taken on a day that you are not going to be eating. It could drop your blood sugar too low. (If your doctor told you sonething different than me – listen to him. This pill is less likely to be a problem than most)
From Web MD: This medication does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, low blood sugar may occur, especially if you take other medications for diabetes, drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise, or do not consume enough calories from food.
Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, or a metallic taste in the mouth may occur at first as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If stomach symptoms return later (after you are on the same dose for several days or weeks), tell your doctor immediately. Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of your treatment may be a sign of lactic acidosis.
I have never seen this side effect, but it is listed:Metformin can rarely cause a serious (sometimes fatal) condition called lactic acidosis. Stop taking metformin and seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis: unusual tiredness, severe drowsiness, chills, blue/cold skin, muscle pain, fast/difficult breathing, unusually slow/irregular heartbeat.
Lactic acidosis is more likely to occur in patients who have certain medical conditions, including kidney or liver disease, conditions that may cause a low oxygen blood level or poor circulation (e.g., severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke), heavy alcohol use, a severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), X-ray or scanning procedures that require an injectable iodinated contrast drug, recent surgery, or a serious infection. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these conditions occur or if you notice a big change in your overall health. You may need to stop taking metformin temporarily. The elderly are also at higher risk, especially those older than 80 years who have not had kidney tests. (See also Side Effects and Precautions sections.)
References :
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-7061-METFORMIN+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=11285&drugname=Metformin+Oral
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:48 am
The most common side effects with metformin are nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea and loss of appetite. These side effects are related to the dose of the medication and may decrease if the dose is reduced. A serious but rare side effect of metformin is lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis occurs in one out of every 30,000 patients and is fatal in 50% of cases. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are weakness, trouble breathing, abnormal heartbeats, unusual muscle pain, stomach discomfort, light-headedness and feeling cold. Patients at risk for lactic acidosis include those with reduced function of the kidneys or liver, congestive heart failure, severe acute illnesses, and dehydration.
References :
http://www.generic-rx.net/glucophage.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/metformin/article.htm
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:28 am
I am a CCMA
Weight Gain
Lethargy >.Lack of Energy
Muscle Aches
Head Aches
Decreased Appetite
References :