Answer/Reply:

Possibly you are getting a bit of reflux from the Metformin. Try drinking a large amount of water when the pain first comes on. Perhaps 5 or 6 large glasses of water should be plenty. If you are having a touch of reflux, the water will wash it down and the irritation in your esophagus should be gone. If it works, it's a good treatment for you when ever you get that feeling.... also taking away the fear of heart distress. I've tried to "walk off" pain before and even took large doses of Tums, all of which did not work for me. The water, however, worked quickly and the only thing it cost me was an extra trip to the bathroom later to void the extra water.

60 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-30 23:59:07

Answer/Reply:

Metfromin does not work in the pancreas, it works in the liver. sugar is stored in the liver. metfromin helps to limit the release of these sugars, this is why you don't get hypoglycemic on metformin alone.

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 00:23:22

Answer/Reply:

I also take Apidra (fast acting insulin) with all meals and inbetween when I have a very high blood sugar reading. I take 47 units twice daily of Levimir. I also take 2000 units of Metforman and Actos as well. I am wondering the same thing, with this much insulin, is my panceras finished, broke and dead? I don[t like to take meds that I do not need or do not improve my health.

62 year old woman.

63 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-24 15:30:36

Answer/Reply:

I was put on Junevia and I lost about 14 pounds. On the bad side, my sugars went up about 100 points.

48 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-19 22:45:57

Answer/Reply:

I was prescribed metformin for type 2 diabetes, bought it, but did lots of research, didn't like what I found, dr.'s don't do enough research for us, and find it easier to prescribe meds that are NOT GOOD for us. Now, I'm going the "natural route", with "Dr. Whitaker's 3-week Diabetes Miracle". You CAN REVERSE type 2 diabetes, and keep high blood pressure at bay too the natural way. I just started and am doing really well WITHOUT metformin. Check for yourself, Please. www.whitakerwellnessreport.com

78 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-14 18:28:05

Answer/Reply:

hello, my doctor has me taking 1000 mg. twice a day, i know that the medication doesn't work all that well. i really hate to say it like this but if you watch closely the medication goes right in the toliet, the pills to me just do not digest that big of a pill in your system, and i am not really sure how the c1 test can make the average of want you eat and want sugars your body takes in, but blood sugar test really we can control just on things we know we can eat. i have had type 2 for 7yrs now, but i guess i would like to try some different meds. to see any change.

49 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-15 14:44:12

Answer/Reply:

Ask your doctor to prescribe two 500mg pills, or break up the pill and it will get digested. I also find that having something acid- like a half lemon in water- will help break down the pill.

But diet is more important than anything else. Medication isn't a free pass to eat poorly. Cut out your starches and sugars and your blood sugar will drop.

59 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 12:55:51

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

You should make sure you are keeping a log of your blood sugar readings and a food diary of what you eat in relation to those readings. While normal lab values may vary slightly from person to person, chances are that your medications do need some more tweaking. Normal fasting lab values are considered to be less than 100 mg/dL. Many times with type 2 diabetes, multiple medications are needed to control blood sugar properly. Normal HbA1c is 4-5.9%. Well-controlled diabetic have a HbA1c less than 7%.

Posted: 2009-08-18 00:22:29

Answer/Reply:

You mention your fasing AM glucose, but no mention of your glucose reading just before your main meal or at bedtime. Perhaos your sugar is climbing higher after your main meal which could explain the high HgbA1C

55 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-20 23:03:33

Answer/Reply:

You can probably do better lowering your A1c by reducing carbohydrates, especially any foods made with flour which turns into sugar quite easily in your body. If you try to eat only during meals (instead of grazing), then you spend more time with low insulin levels, and will lower the A1c which averages your levels. (Blood insulin needs to be low to burn fat or make muscle.) The other thing is to take a walk or go up and down stairs after meals- it works best if it gets you panting, but doesn't need to last long. That brings down blood insulin and burns sugar. Going to 169 and coming down in two hours isn't bad if you go low enough. But if you eat only three times a day (or just take protein or nuts for a snack), and walk you will lower your average.

59 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 12:50:10

Answer/Reply:

I had a cat scan also and had taken my metformin that morning. they told me when I got to hospital not to take it for 48 hours AFTER the ct scan. well, 20 hours later I wake up at 4 in the morning with eyes almost swollen shut, cheeks and lips swollen and itching like crazy. Took benadryl for 3 days before it was completely gone. I am a 51 yr. old male.

52 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-20 00:57:52

Answer/Reply:

I had a doctor just like yours! Yes, change doctors. I now only go to female doctors. Somehow I do think they take us more seriously than the male version! Female doctors have to be really good to get into med school -- so I do think they start with more in their heads to begin with.

Also, talk to your pharmacist. They are a wealth of information (male or female). And they are free! They see more people in a day with drug problems than many doctors in a year.

Good Luck! and good health.

65 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-23 23:45:11

Answer/Reply:

I don't know the highest dose, but I take 2,000 MG per day. Since then I am short of breath constantly and headaches maybe 3 or 4 days of the week.

65 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-10 09:24:16

Answer/Reply:

My doctor told me the highest dose is 2500; I currently take 2000 and also Prandin and Januvia. I have told my Dr I'm concerned about taking so many pills, but he seems to think it's OK as long as there is no reaction. I recently stsrted taking the Januvia; it worked very well for about th4 first month, my readings then went back to what they had been before; though I still think it's better than some of the older drugs.

73 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-20 16:27:57

Answer/Reply:

I also take 1000 mgs 2x daily [for around 2 yrs]some intestanal upset befor now ok sounds like you should call your DOCTOR!!!!!!!!!!

54 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-27 18:48:18

Answer/Reply:

Metformin goes right through me too. I found out this is perfectly normal and is related to how the filler in the tablets is digested (or not!).

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-02 07:29:53

Answer/Reply:

The Dr. told me that you will see them in the pot after you use it. This is very normal he said.

37 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 21:47:24

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Metformin ER and metformin should be equally effective with similar side effects. The advantage to the metformin ER is that you take it less frequently, which should help to minimize the chances for missed doses. Taking metformin less frequently could decrease the chances of side effects too.

Posted: 2009-07-23 01:39:46

Answer/Reply:

The ER is the Extended Release form. You should only have to take this once a day, maybe twice depending on the MG.

28 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 12:56:32

Answer/Reply:

82 yr male.
i started taking glucophage before it was legal in the US. then Metformin and then Metformin ER.
they are all the same. they go right through me.

63 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 19:42:40

Answer/Reply:

The ER stands for extented release, I am on metformin ER, 500 mgs twice a day. My husband is on regular metformin, 1000 mgs, twice a day. But he has had type two diabetes for 4 yrs, and takes glyberide and actos also. I was diagnosed last april and take glyberide along with the metformin. The doctor said my husabnd didn't need to ER as he was taking actos. Hope this explains a little. Female age 47

48 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 20:10:08

Answer/Reply:

No, the only difference is one is an extended tab, released over the course of the day.

39 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-26 07:19:35

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

There is no interaction between metformin and having a sulfa allergy. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all of your allergies and medications so that the proper screening can be done when you have your prescriptions filled.

Posted: 2009-07-20 14:06:22

Answer/Reply:

As I was sitting here reading all these comments that all these ladies have talked about I no longer feel alone. I am 53 years old and I take metformin and levothyroxine and cozar to protect the kidney. I get awful headaches and some sharp not long lasting pains in my head as well as out of breath recently and have never had that problem before. I was told the most they can give you on metformin was 2000 I take 1500 a day. I hate taking all these pills, I am trying so hard to lose the weight but feel I am in one of those cups you ride at disneyland going round and round losing and gaining, Why don't they help us to find a way to stop the roller-coaster and live a happier healthier life? I am too young and will always be too young to live with this stuff that wants to take my life away from me.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 19:07:54

Answer/Reply:

I too am allergic to sulfa, also doctor keeps upping strength of Metformin, Could this be related?

64 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 21:06:51

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Metformin does not have any sulfa chemical structure, so any issue you are having with metformin has nothing to do with a sulfa allergy.

Posted: 2009-08-23 15:08:24

Answer/Reply:

I'm am 75 years old and have been taking glucophage (2000 mg.) ever since my Dr. asked me if I wanted to take it, when it first came out in March 1995. It did me more good than the insulin I was taking before that. I started with 500 mg. and over the years had to increase it. I also take glimeperide and since last year started taking Januvia,also. I have not had any side effects with it all. My morning blood sugar numbers average 120 and my a1c is 5.1

76 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-18 09:41:22

Answer/Reply:

GO TO THE HOSPITAL RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!! Look, I have been dealing with MRSA since 2005 & it just never stays away. I have been symptom free for a year one time, but it came back. It is VERY serious & can turn into much worse if not treated!!! Also, very contagious. When I did'nt have insurance, I went to our free health clinic. I knew what I had allready & the best drug for it Bactrim, as long as you aren't allergic to Sulfa. If you are (like me), then the give me Doxicycline(spelling?) One time I had it so bad, I had to go to the Hospital every day & get IV Vancomyacin. Please don't let a doctor bill stop you from getting treated. Also, you are going to need pain pills. It hurts like heck!! Find your Free health clinic & they can help!!!!

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-14 00:24:57

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Not-for-profit hospitals are required by law to treat anyone, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. There are also urgent care centers and, in some states, clinics within pharmacies that are less expensive and able to treat infections. Many areas also have low-income clinics, where the fee is based on income. These clinics have doctors and medications available and are able to treat people who do not have insurance.

Posted: 2009-07-15 19:00:45

Answer/Reply:

My son had bad case of staph infection on left knee, so bad he had surgery, which the surgeon let me know was a 3-1/2" wound - when it healed, surgeon did a skin graft. Surgeon found DEAD TISSUE, below his knee, the dead tissue was the staph infection, it kills good tissue! He was placed in Extra Care Facility, near the hospital, he was there for 1 month, he had to go on welfare to be able to get medical ins. He is a worker and never wanted welfare. and YES PLEASE GO TO THE EMERGENCY ASAP. YOU DO NOT WANT TO LOSE YOUR LIMBS???

78 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-14 19:47:26

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Metformin can cause a loss of appetite, which is thought to be the cause of the weight loss in patients taking metformin. however less than 1% of iGuard members report weight loss. Metoformin is taken to help control blood glucose levels - it is FDA approved to treat diabetes and is mainly used for this condition. It should not be taken for specifically for weight loss. There are no reports of sexual side effects with metformin. Please discuss your concerns about weight loss with your physician at your next appointment.

Posted: 2009-07-14 00:54:37

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Metformin is excreted primarily through your kidneys. When your kidneys are not working well, metformin can build up in your body and cause a condition called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a build up of acid in the body which can be life threatening. The drug package insert contains a "black box" warning that states it should not be used by patients with renal dysfunction (kidney disease) and those who are taking medications for congestive heart failure (CHF).

Metformin is safe in most patients and works well in those with type 2 diabetes that are not well controlled by diet and exercise. For patients who have normal kidney and heart function, the risk of serious complications like lactic acidosis from metformin is very low. However, it is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Talk with your doctor to find out how well your kidney is working. If your serum creatinine levels are high, a sign that your kidneys are not working well, then your doctor will need to determine if continuing the therapy is the best course for you. Please discuss your concerns with both your nephrologist and internist.

Posted: 2009-07-07 14:44:12

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Over 50% of patients reported diarrhea while taking metformin according to the manufacturer's clinical studies. In addition about 6% of the patients during the clinical studies stopped the medication under a physician's direction because the diarrhea was significant. You should discuss your symptoms or diarrhea as well as your tiredness with your physician especially if they worsen.

Posted: 2009-07-07 15:31:15

Answer/Reply:

It is the metformin causing the diarrhea and the flatulance. You will probably notice if you go off of it that it will improve the diarrhea right away. Everyone I have talked to about this drug mentions that this is the major side effect.

40 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-08 09:05:09

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

The best bread to eat would be whole grain. Look at the number of fiber grams in the ingredients and try to pick a loaf that contains 3 grams of fiber per slice of bread. Also, pick a brand that does not contain high fructose corn syrup.

Posted: 2009-07-03 14:19:13

Answer/Reply:

rye or pumpernickle is the best look into the book reversing diabetes by dr.neal bernard its very informative

44 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-06 22:00:53

Answer/Reply:

we find at our home, if we stick to only 60 carbs a meal that the glocose level don't spike all over. That we eat breakfast and a snack before lunch etc. keep eyes on carbs. We started off on rye bread got levels down good. (we also take cod liver oil orange flavored 1 tablespoon a day and it helped lower the triglierides. Hopefully getting off the meds soon if levels stay low. Been indulging lately having a beer now and then. Also eating seconds which is a no no. Got the treadmill out and getting back in line. My levels so far still ok. I take numerous vitamins to . Anyone else doing cod liver oil and any difference in your triglicerides . Art

63 year old Male

Posted: 2009-07-11 13:03:30

Answer/Reply:

I also have PCOS and when trying to get pregnant the 2nd time I took metformin and 2 cycles of clomid. I had triplet girls in august of 2007. It took me 6 months or so to get pregnant. Make sure you are checking your ovulation too, that helps a lot. Good luck and God bless!

29 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-30 11:43:27

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Metformin HCL and Metformin ER contain the same active ingredient, metformin. Metformin HCL is an immediate-release formulation of metformin. It is taken multiple times each day. Metformin ER is an extended-release formulation of metformin. It can usually be taken once a day.

Posted: 2009-06-10 10:20:31

Answer/Reply:

I have used vitamins and supplements for my T II Diabetes, Hypertension, and High Cholesterol- try adding a garlic supplement, Gymnema, and cinnamon or aloe or acai. In particular the Gymnema brought my sugar down when the prescriptives were not effective enough

61 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-21 14:29:01

Answer/Reply:

I'am interested in imformation from people who started taking cinnamon for thier diabetes. I started taking it . Then my Dr. told me I was wasting my time. However I still take it. Timm, type 2 diabetes. N>P>R>,Fla.

60 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-28 21:33:54

Answer/Reply:

cinnamin has been used alot in our foods. In researching it, it helps lower the inflammation of the panceas. I have large pancreas and probable because I liked sweets all my life. I don't know! But hubby is doing it and I feel it cant hurt my pancreas Its a part of our daily vitamin ritual. We do the vitamin form. two a day. My grandkids eat alot of sugared ceral and I give the cinnamin sprinked on toast alot. Inflammation can cause havoic on alot of our diseases and it causes most of them. The pancreas will burn out from overload. I am a few steps away from being diabetic so I take it, and hubby takes it to help his diabetes. We are researching and doing what we find will help and so glad for I guard to swap what is working and what is not. But to your own eyes be true and with your doctor there to. Gloria

63 year old Male

Posted: 2009-07-11 13:20:21

Answer/Reply:

Do you mind sharing the name of the liquid vitamins and minerals that you take. I really need some help with energy. My problem is I get confused when I attempt to research online. There are so many out there. Thank you

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-01 15:20:41

Answer/Reply:

I ALSO HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM FATIQUE AND MY DOCTOR JUST ORDERED BLOOD TESTS WHICH SHOWED MY VIT B LEVEL WAS LOW.I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW THE NAME OF THE VIT.B THAT YOU ARE TAKING. THERE IS TO MUCH INFORMATION OUT THERE SO NOW I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO GET. THANK YOU .

58 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-04 07:30:03

Answer/Reply:

After reading your article I now wonder if it is the reason I am anemic so much? No doctor ever posed that thought. I'm glad I'm part of Iguard!

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-16 06:34:56

Answer/Reply:

thanks didn't know that I have been tired and all that

37 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-16 16:23:01

Answer/Reply:

vitamin b helps with absorbtion process of the body.Its good to get the b levels checked to make sure you are not on the low level of the spectrum. My wife was at 300 and I believe 900 is around tops. She had b shots once a month and it boosted her energy. It don't matter what you take if your absorbtion level is low. Your body wont process the needed nutrients right. Low energy and fatique is a sign of something wrong, and vitamin b levels are included in finding out. Art

63 year old Male

Posted: 2009-07-11 13:10:12

Answer/Reply:

Not with me, I love grapefruit and I eat them all the time.

59 year old female

5/19/09

60 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-19 08:48:24

Answer/Reply:

From what I understand you can eat anything (in moderation) that you ate before if you are only taking metformin. If you are also on high blood pressure or colesterol meds, Grapefruit will stop them from working and orange juice makes them work to fast- in either case you lose the benifits of the medications. Check wth your Doc for one that will let you eat what you like.

67 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-20 14:13:18

Answer/Reply:

I asked my doctor the same thing since the directions said not to take with grapefruit juice. He said you can have grapefruit, just wait about half an hour after taking your medication.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-23 07:36:30

Answer/Reply:

y would grapefruit have a reaction with metformin????

25 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-07 16:20:55

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Grapefruit juice may interfere with the enzymes that break down (metabolize) various drugs in the digestive system — including certain calcium channel blockers used to lower blood pressure and some statin/cholesterol-lowering drugs. The result can be very high levels of these drugs in your blood.
Although metformin is not listed as a drug that has significant interaction with grapefruit, please consider the type and amount of sugar contained in the grapefruit product you buy and drink/eat. Because many juices have a sugar content, that could interfere with your blood sugar levels and may need monitoring. If you have additional questions about how grapefruit may interact with your medicines, please follow up with your doctor or pharmacist.

Posted: 2009-06-08 00:10:05

Answer/Reply:

I am 86 male emphysema patient.. FDA took best meds I ever had off market(serevent) claiming it was harmful to the ozone, No one ever told them it was going into my lungs and not the ozone.Now they changed formula for albuterol and I need 3 puffs instead of two and even then it is not as effective as it was. Yet I can still drive my car spiting polutants into the air at a rate many times that of serevent. go figure.
William, Jupiter Florida

89 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-16 04:58:43

Answer/Reply:

My husband takes alpha-lipoic acid for the neuropathy pain, which gives him a lot of relief. You can get it in most vitamin stores. He can tell within a day or 2 if he doesn't take it. He takes metformin and glipizide for the diabetes.

67 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-20 16:54:41

Answer/Reply:

thanks for the info. I have type 1 and having a lot of pain with right ankle and walking. tried DMSO from internet, it relieves for a couple of hours but that is all.

75 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-02 18:52:53

Answer/Reply:

I have type 2 diabetes and neuropathy. For years I've taken amitriptyline, the generic form of elavil. This is the most commonly used drug for this problem from what I've read. It makes me sleepy, so I take it before I go to bed at night. For a while I took it earlier since I was in pain by the time I took it but I changed once I found that the sleepiness didn't go away. I also take hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) at breakfast to keep the swelling down in my feet. I'm on Glipizide and Avandamet. I'm also taking 1000 mg of milk thistle a day; I read about an English study that found that this helped since it works on the liver. My last A1C before this was 6.2, and I'll be getting another done in about 6 weeks. This will be the 1st A1C since I started this so I'm anxious to see how well it's working. I also hear that elderberry concentrate taken before meals in a drink and 1/4 tsp of cinnamon a day help your blood sugar.

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-20 17:34:01

Answer/Reply:

Are you on any other meds? i had trouble with a high blodd pressure pill that caused my feet to swell. I was only on it to make my kidneys function better. I do not have high blood pressure last check it was 120/52. So he just changed meds and that went away. Worth a try . Good Luck!!!!!

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-25 15:05:11

Answer/Reply:

My dr. changed me from metformin to januveia.maybe you should ask about doin the same thing.

77 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-02 16:41:17

Answer/Reply:

Try Lyrica. It help me greatly. Also, if you're taking anything for depression, ask your doctor about cymbalta. It does basicaly the same thing as lyrica.
61 year old male

62 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-27 21:41:50

Answer/Reply:

With the swelling of your left foot and ankle, has your doctor checked to see if you have high blood pressure and if your veins are clear. That too could be a cause of swelling. Also something called edema, retaining water.

62 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-04 11:45:26

Answer/Reply:

HI there, I was having the same problem then I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and started taking Gabapentin. I found it to help more with the neuropathy then the fibromyalgia. I take the maxamum dose of 800mg 3 x a day. Some get results with less but you might mention it to your doctor and tell him you'd like to try it. Good luck

48 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-18 11:42:01

Answer/Reply:

My only comment is that I have recently found out that Glyburide stimulates your body to produce more insulin, which over time can lead to your pancreas becoming overworked and leading to insulin injection therapy. Just be cautious.
As for the neuropathy, I don't know much about that. Sorry.

36 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 14:34:21