Metformin

2timothy1 7
2timothy1 7 Member Posts: 345
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Just asked my oncologist to put me on metformin after listening to the CBS morning show yesterday. She said I might experience a few side effects at first, including nausea, loose bowel movements. Has anyone had symptoms like these from metformin?
Thanks
Shawnna

Comments

  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #2
    Metformin
    Shawna,
    I am one of the people, who it appears cannot take Metformin. I took 250 mg twice a day for two and a half days and had diarrhea for two months. I can't attribute all of my symptoms to the Metformin, but it certainly triggered it. I've heard that people who are sensitive to it should start out taking 100 mg per day and work their way up. I never had a chance to try that approach.
    I missed the CBS presentation regarding Metformin. Did it identify the mechanism that brings success in ovarian cancer patients? I've read research that shows that it improves prognosis in diabetics, who have ovarian cancer, but have not yet seen any other benefits in the research.
  • 2timothy1 7
    2timothy1 7 Member Posts: 345
    #3
    Tethys41 said:

    Metformin
    Shawna,
    I am one of the people, who it appears cannot take Metformin. I took 250 mg twice a day for two and a half days and had diarrhea for two months. I can't attribute all of my symptoms to the Metformin, but it certainly triggered it. I've heard that people who are sensitive to it should start out taking 100 mg per day and work their way up. I never had a chance to try that approach.
    I missed the CBS presentation regarding Metformin. Did it identify the mechanism that brings success in ovarian cancer patients? I've read research that shows that it improves prognosis in diabetics, who have ovarian cancer, but have not yet seen any other benefits in the research.

    Metformin
    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505269_162-57556740/diabetes-drug-may-help-ovarian-cancer-sufferers/. This is the link if you want to see further info.
    Is glipizide the same thing as metformin? Wondering if this would work. I haven't started metformin yet. Will pick it up in next couple days. Sorry it did not work for you. However you seem to have many cards up your sleeve:).
    Shawnna
  • debrajo
    debrajo Member Posts: 1,095 Member
    #4
    2timothy1 7 said:

    Metformin
    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505269_162-57556740/diabetes-drug-may-help-ovarian-cancer-sufferers/. This is the link if you want to see further info.
    Is glipizide the same thing as metformin? Wondering if this would work. I haven't started metformin yet. Will pick it up in next couple days. Sorry it did not work for you. However you seem to have many cards up your sleeve:).
    Shawnna

    I take the Glipizide for
    I take the Glipizide for diabetes after taking Metformin for years. The Glipizide seems to work better for me, with fewer side affects. It has also kept my A1C below 6 which is a good marker for my sugar level. Debrajo
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #5
    2timothy1 7 said:

    Metformin
    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505269_162-57556740/diabetes-drug-may-help-ovarian-cancer-sufferers/. This is the link if you want to see further info.
    Is glipizide the same thing as metformin? Wondering if this would work. I haven't started metformin yet. Will pick it up in next couple days. Sorry it did not work for you. However you seem to have many cards up your sleeve:).
    Shawnna

    Glipizide
    My naturopath has attended a number of presentations on the topic of Metformin. It is her understanding that only Metformin (Glucophage) possesses the benefits to ovarian cancer patients and other diabetic drugs do not.
    Thanks Shawnna, yes I'm addressing insulin resistance through other means. :)
  • MJensen
    MJensen Member Posts: 93
    #6
    Metformin
    Hi Shawnna,
    I just asked my Oncologist about this today as well. He said we can try it whenever I am ready. I am still dealing with some residual bowel obstruction so I will wait a week or two. He suggests we start with a low dose to reduce intestinal side effects. Once I start we will chart my ca125 and see if it makes a difference. I will let you know if I have side effects and if it helps!

    If you do start on it can you let me know if you get side effects? Thank you! Let's cross our fingers this will work for us!!!! Michele
  • MJensen
    MJensen Member Posts: 93
    #7
    Metformin
    Hi Shawnna,
    I just asked my Oncologist about this today as well. He said we can try it whenever I am ready. I am still dealing with some residual bowel obstruction so I will wait a week or two. He suggests we start with a low dose to reduce intestinal side effects. Once I start we will chart my ca125 and see if it makes a difference. I will let you know if I have side effects and if it helps!

    If you do start on it can you let me know if you get side effects? Thank you! Let's cross our fingers this will work for us!!!! Michele
  • 2timothy1 7
    2timothy1 7 Member Posts: 345
    #8
    MJensen said:

    Metformin
    Hi Shawnna,
    I just asked my Oncologist about this today as well. He said we can try it whenever I am ready. I am still dealing with some residual bowel obstruction so I will wait a week or two. He suggests we start with a low dose to reduce intestinal side effects. Once I start we will chart my ca125 and see if it makes a difference. I will let you know if I have side effects and if it helps!

    If you do start on it can you let me know if you get side effects? Thank you! Let's cross our fingers this will work for us!!!! Michele

    Metformin
    Hi Michele
    I just started taking metformin (500 mg) 5 days ago. M oncologist is giving me till end of month. We will do another ca 125 then. Hopefully it will go down a little. It is at 49. I will prolly have to go back on chemo in January. So far I have had no side effects. I have had a little bit of an appetite decrease, which is not a bad thing. So, so far so good. Let me know how it goes with you. I also take miseltoe shots. Also, plan on meeting with another nautroupath dr at end of month. I'm gonna be broke from seeing all these drs. But what have I got to loose:).
    Shawnna

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