How Much Metformin Can You Take

Pcos: Insulin And Metformin

Young women with PCOS often have elevated insulin levels and are more likely to develop diabetes. Metformin is a medication often prescribed for women with PCOS to help prevent diabetes. A lifestyle that includes healthy nutrition and daily exercise is the most important part of a PCOS treatment plan. What is insulin? Insulin is a hormone made by an organ in the body called the pancreas. The food you eat is broken down into simple sugar (glucose) during digestion. Glucose is absorbed into the blood after you eat. Insulin helps glucose enter the cells of the body to be used as energy. If there’s not enough insulin in the body, or if the body can’t use the insulin, sugar levels in the blood become higher. What is insulin resistance? If your body is resistant to insulin, it means you need high levels of insulin to keep your blood sugar normal. Certain medical conditions such as being overweight or having PCOS can cause insulin resistance. Insulin resistance tends to run in families. What can insulin resistance do to me? High insulin levels can cause thickening and darkening of the skin (acanthosis nigricans) on the back of the neck, axilla (under the arms), and groin area. In young women with PCOS, high insulin levels can cause the ovaries to make more androgen hormones such as testosterone. This can cause increased body hair, acne, and irregular or few periods. Having insulin resistance can increase your risk of developing diabetes. How can I lower my insulin levels? You can help lower your insulin levels naturally by eating fewer starches and sugars, and more foods that are high in fiber and low in refined carbohydrates. Low glycemic foods, on the other hand, don’t raise your blood sugar or insulin levels as much as foods that are high in sugar or refined carbohydr Continue reading >>

Can You Take Metformin For Weight Loss? A Look At The Numbers

Metformin is a medication said to cause weight loss, but is it true? Should you be worried if you are underweight, or should you use it if you want a slimmer waistline? This article takes a looks at the current evidence and if you can take metformin for weight loss. What is Metformin? Metformin belongs to the class of medications called “oral hypoglycemics.” This means it’s taken by mouth to help reduce blood sugar (glucose) levels. For this reason, metformin is commonly used for the management of type 2 diabetes. How Does Metformin Work? The way metformin works isn’t fully understood yet. However, what is known is that it reduces the production of sugar by liver cells (1). Metformin also improves insulin sensitivity and influences the bacterial community in the gut. It may have anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial for metabolic health too (2, 3). Metformin may also cause weight loss by reducing food intake and blocking gastrointestinal absorption of glucose, at least in theory (4). Summary: Commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, metformin is a medication that influences the metabolism and absorption of sugar. What is Metformin Used For? Metformin has been approved for treating type 2 diabetes. This medication is also sometimes prescribed for the following: Research continues on other uses for metformin including: Anti-aging or anti-cancer effects (8) Helping manage type 1 diabetes (9) Reducing the risk of heart disease (10). Summary: Metformin has been approved for the management of type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes prescribed for other conditions that involve abnormal blood sugar, such as diabetes during pregnancy. Can You Take Metformin For Weight Loss? Metformin helps manage type 2 diabetes, a health condition associated with being overweight. Continue reading >>

Take Metformin If You Have Prediabetes

Do you have prediabetes? You might be able to ward it off with the help of one of the diabetes drugs. Metformin might stop you from getting diabetes and could also help you in other ways. But persuading your doctor to prescribe it could be a challenge. The biggest and perhaps the best study of people who have prediabetes showed that taking metformin cuts the risk of diabetes by 31 percent. While this was less than the reduction of 58 percent that the “lifestyle intervention” provided, in real life we usually aren’t able to get that much guidance from our medical team. By “lifestyle intervention” the researchers meant being in a program that provided information, guidance, and support to help participants lose 7 percent or more of their weight and to get moderately intense physical activity — like brisk walking — for at least 150 minutes a week. But without that guidance, it typically takes a long time to help, and in fact it most people just don’t do it. Who Metformin Helps Most The study showed that metformin helped the most among younger people, and with people who had a high body mass index (BMI) or a high fasting blood glucose level. It doesn’t help seniors much. But the biggest problem with metformin is to have your doctor prescribe it. Only 3.7 percent of insured adults who had a prediabetes diagnosis were taking it between 2010 and 2012, according to a study that the Annals of Internal Medicine published last year. This very low proportion is probably because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved metformin — or any other drug — for prediabetes. While doctors are free to prescribe it “off label,” some of them are hesitant to do that. Some Side Effects Like any drugs, metformin sometimes has unwanted side effects. The mos Continue reading >>

Glucophage

GLUCOPHAGE® (metformin hydrochloride) Tablets GLUCOPHAGE® XR (metformin hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets DESCRIPTION GLUCOPHAGE® (metformin hydrochloride) Tablets and GLUCOPHAGE® XR (metformin hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets are oral antihyperglycemic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin hydrochloride (N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide hydrochloride) is not chemically or pharmacologically related to any other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. The structural formula is as shown: Metformin hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline compound with a molecular formula of C4H11N5 HCl and a molecular weight of 165.63. Metformin hydrochloride is freely soluble in water and is practically insoluble in acetone, ether, and chloroform. The pK of metformin is 12.4. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution of metformin hydrochloride is 6.68. GLUCOPHAGE tablets contain 500 mg, 850 mg, or 1000 mg of metformin hydrochloride. Each tablet contains the inactive ingredients povidone and magnesium stearate. In addition, the coating for the 500 mg and 850 mg tablets contains hypromellose and the coating for the 1000 mg tablet contains hypromellose and polyethylene glycol. GLUCOPHAGE XR contains 500 mg or 750 mg of metformin hydrochloride as the active ingredient. GLUCOPHAGE XR 500 mg tablets contain the inactive ingredients sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. GLUCOPHAGE XR 750 mg tablets contain the inactive ingredients sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hypromellose, and magnesium stearate. System Components And Performance GLUCOPHAGE XR comprises a dual hydrophilic polymer matrix system. Metformin hydrochloride is combined with a drug release controlling polymer to form an “inne Continue reading >>

Metformin Dosage

Metformin Dosage There have been no human studies to identify the optimal dose of metformin that is needed to duplicate the beneficial gene expression effects that are described in the June 2003 issue of Life Extension magazine. For people who want to derive the many proven health benefits of metformin, it might be prudent to follow the dosage schedule used by Type II diabetics. According to the Physician's Desk Reference, the starting dose should be 500 mg of metformin twice a day. (An alternative option is 850 mg of metformin once a day). After one week, increase the dose of metformin to 1000 mg as the first dose of the day and 500 mg as the second dose. After another week, increase to 1000 mg of metformin two times a day. The maximum safe dose described in the Physician's Desk Reference is 2550 mg a day (which should be taken as 850 mg three times a day). According to the Physician's Desk Reference, clinically significant responses in Type II diabetics are not seen at doses below 1500 mg a day of metformin. Anti-aging doctors, on the other hand, have recommended doses as low as 500 mg twice a day to healthy non-diabetics who are seeking to obtain metformin's other proven benefits such as enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing excess levels of insulin, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It could be the dosage range is highly individualistic in healthy people, meaning some may benefit from 500 mg twice a day, while others may need 1000 mg twice a day for optimal effects. Blood tests to ascertain if the dose of metformin you are taking is improving glucose/insulin metabolism would be: Hemoglobin A1c Fasting insulin CBC/Chemistry panel that includes glucose, cholesterol triglycerides and indicators of liver and kidney function A hemoglobin A1c test Continue reading >>

Metformin, Oral Tablet

Metformin oral tablet is available as both a generic and brand-name drug. Brand names: Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, and Glumetza. Metformin is also available as an oral solution but only in the brand-name drug Riomet. Metformin is used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. FDA warning: Lactic acidosis warning This drug has a Black Box Warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A black box warning alerts doctors and patients to potentially dangerous effects. Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious side effect of this drug. In this condition, lactic acid builds up in your blood. This is a medical emergency that requires treatment in the hospital. Lactic acidosis is fatal in about half of people who develop it. You should stop taking this drug and call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you have signs of lactic acidosis. Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, unusual sleepiness, stomach pains, nausea (or vomiting), dizziness (or lightheadedness), and slow or irregular heart rate. Alcohol use warning: You shouldn’t drink alcohol while taking this drug. Alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels unpredictably and increase your risk of lactic acidosis. Kidney problems warning: If you have moderate to severe kidney problems, you have a higher risk of lactic acidosis. You shouldn’t take this drug. Liver problems warning: Liver disease is a risk factor for lactic acidosis. You shouldn’t take this drug if you have liver problems. Metformin oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand name drugs Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, and Glumetza. Glucophage is an immediate-release tablet. All of the other brands are extended-r Continue reading >>

Can You Take Metformin And Januvia Together

What type of drug is Metformin Metformin is a Generic name for a drug with antihyperglycemic properties that is used for treating non – insulin – dependent diabetes mellitus. This drug can improve glucose levels in blood by decreasing the production of glucose in liver, decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose and increasing insulin-mediated glucose uptake. Therapy with metformin may also decrease the risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or other diabetes-related complications. Metformin can induce weight loss and that’s why it is the drug of choice for obese patients with diabetes type two. When it is used alone, this drug doesn’t cause hypoglycemia as side effect; but, it may potentiate the hypoglycemic effects of sulfonylureas drugs and insulin if they are used together. Metformin is available in the form of tablet in following dosage forms: 500, 750, 850 and 1000 mg. It is usually taken during meals. Common Brand names on the market containing metformin as an active ingredient are: Glucophage, Glumetza, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Metformin Sandoz, Diabex, Diaformin, Siofor, Metfogamma and Riomet. What is Januvia Januvia is a Brand name for a drug containing sitagliptin as an active ingredient. It is an oral diabetes drug that is used to control sugar levels in blood. Januvia works by regulating insulin levels that body produces after eating. This drug is used for the treatment of patints with type 2 diabetes. Januvia can be used in combination with other diabetes medicines, but is not used for treating type 1- diabetes. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis should not use Januvia. Januvia is available in tablet and film-coated tablet form in following strenghts: 25, 50 and 100 mg. Common Brand names on the market containing sitagliptin as an active ingredie Continue reading >>

Metformin: Uses, Action, Dosage, Side Effect And Brand Information

What is metformin used for? Controlling blood sugar levels in adults, adolescents and children aged 10 years and over with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is used when diet alone has failed to fully control blood sugar. It may be used on its own, in combination with other oral antidiabetic medicines, or with insulin. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is an off-licence use of metformin, so you won't find it mentioned in the information leaflets that come with the medicine. However, metformin is a widely used and established treatment option for this condition. How does metformin work? In type 2 diabetes the cells in the body, particularly muscle, fat and liver cells, become resistant to the action of insulin. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for controlling the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It makes cells in the body remove sugar from the blood. When the cells are resistant to insulin this makes blood sugar levels rise too high. Metformin hydrochloride is a type of antidiabetic medicine called a biguanide. It works in a number of ways to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Firstly, it increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. This enables these cells to remove sugar from the blood more effectively. Secondly, it reduces the amount of sugar produced by cells in the liver. Finally, it delays the absorption of sugar from the intestines into the bloodstream after eating so that there is less of a spike in blood sugar levels after meals. Metformin is taken regularly every day to help control blood sugar levels both between and directly after meals. In polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS many women have high insulin levels, and as a result their cells become resistant to the action of insulin. The high insulin levels also cause an Continue reading >>

The Many Benefits Of Metformin | Empoweryourhealth.org

Metformin (also known by the brand names Glucophage®, Glucophae XR®, Glumetza®, Fortamet® and Riomet®) is one of the most popular drugs available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, a form of diabetes in which the body is unable to use insulin efficiently, often leading to less insulin production over time. Introduced in the United Kingdom in 1958, Canada in 1972 and the United States in 1995, metformin is now believed to be the most widely prescribed antidiabetic drug in the world. Originating in a common plant native to the eastern part of the U.S. called French lilac or goat’s plant, metformin has been used to treat many conditions, including tuberculosis, rheumatism and bladder problems. Seminole Indians are said to have used the root, which contains the natural insecticide rotenone, to stun fish for easy harvesting. Other reported uses have included pouring a brew made from the roots on garden plants to kill insects. And at one time, this plant was fed to goats as it was thought to improve milk production, thus the name goat’s rue. What researchers have learned in the past several years is that metformin has many other positive benefits beyond controlling blood glucose levels with very low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). One major effect of metformin is a decrease in the production and release of glucose from the liver. When used in combination with antidiabetic drug sulfonylurea or insulin, metformin also can help minimize the weight gain frequently associated with these medications. It can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower blood fat levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. And when taken by individuals treated intensively with sulphonylureas, a class of oral medications that control blood sugar levels in patients Continue reading >>

Does Turmeric / Curcumin Interact With Metformin ? Can You Take Them Together

No adverse interactions have been reported between metformin and turmeric spice. Thus, dietary turmeric and metformin, when taken together, do not pose the risk of any adverse health effects. However, when taking supplemental dosages of turmeric (curcumin) or the golden paste, a gap of about 3-4 hours is recommended with metformin. In fact, curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric and the drug metformin, both assist in treatment, management and prevention of type 2 diabetes and cancer. [1] Turmeric, when taken with metformin, may give better results in diabetes and can inhibit the side effects of this drug. Read: Benefits of Turmeric in Diabetes Read: Benefits of Turmeric in Pre-diabetes Care should be taken when taking turmeric with metformin, as high dosage could lower blood glucose and may result in hypoglycemia. Turmeric and Metformin 1. Turmeric does not interact with metformin There are hardly any studies which prove that turmeric may alter the functioning of metformin or vice-versa. However, there are many studies in which curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric has been used along with metformin with positive results and no reported adverse effects. In one such study, turmeric was given in combination with metformin to diabetes patients, and it contributed to decreased glucose and lipid levels and an improved antioxidant activity. It was concluded that turmeric could be used as an effective adjuvant in treating diabetes. [2] Due to the combined effects of curcumin and metformin in reducing glucose levels, an adduct consisting of curcumin and metformin together was synthesised to benefit the treatment of diabetes. [3] Curcumin and metformin in combination have also been used for the treatment of various types of cancers including breast, liver, prostate and Continue reading >>

Metformin Overview

Metformin is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin belongs to a group of drugs called biguanides, which work by helping your body respond better to the insulin it makes naturally, decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes, and decreasing the amount of sugar your intestines absorb. This medication comes in tablet, extended-release tablet, and liquid forms. It is taken up to 3 times daily, depending on which form you are taking. Swallow extended-release tablets whole. Common side effects of metformin include diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach. Metformin is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Metformin may be found in some form under the following brand names: Serious side effects have been reported including: Lactic Acidosis. In rare cases, metformin can cause a serious side effect called lactic acidosis. This is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in your blood. This build-up can cause serious damage. Lactic acidosis caused by metformin is rare and has occurred mostly in people whose kidneys were not working normally. Lactic acidosis has been reported in about one in 33,000 patients taking metformin over the course of a year. Although rare, if lactic acidosis does occur, it can be fatal in up to half the people who develop it. It is also important for your liver to be working normally when you take metformin. Your liver helps remove lactic acid from your blood. Make sure you tell your doctor before you use metformin if you have kidney or liver problems. You should also stop using metformin and call your doctor right away if you have signs of lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency that must be treate Continue reading >>

Diabetes Pills Costing Just 2p Each Could Give Men's Love Lives A Lift

Tablets costing just 2p each could be a new treatment for men with erection problems. New research suggests the medicine, called metformin, could boost a man's performance in the bedroom. The drug has been widely used on the NHS for many years to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. But now scientists think it may also work as an alternative to anti-impotence drugs such as Viagra or Cialis. Laboratory tests at the Georgia Health Sciences University in the U.S. show the diabetes drug boosts erectile function by relaxing blood vessels in the genital area, allowing blood to flow more freely into the penis. Although it has yet to be tested in humans, it could quickly emerge as a new treatment because it is readily available, extremely cheap and has an excellent safety record. One in ten men in the UK suffers erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives. Although drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra have revolutionised treatment in the last ten years, around 30 per cent of men who take them experience no improvement. For these men, the only other options are to inject drugs straight into the penis, or use a pump that manually increases blood supply to the organ. Neither is very popular. Metformin has been attracting a great deal of attention from researchers in recent years, mostly because it seems to hold promise as a potentially powerful new weapon against certain cancers, such as prostate, breast and ovarian tumours. The drug belongs to a class of medicines known as biguanides, which have been used for decades to treat type 2 diabetes - the form of the disease that normally affects obese people and those over 40. Taken twice a day, it works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and helping cells mop up sugar that is circulating in the bloodstrea Continue reading >>

Can I Take An Extra Metformin

Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community Currently on 2000mg of Metformin in total, 500mg twice in the morning and twice in the evening with dinner. Would it be ok to take an extra 1 just as i go to sleep ? (In the hopes of lower levels in the morning ?) Currently on 2000mg of Metformin in total, 500mg twice in the morning and twice in the evening with dinner. Would it be ok to take an extra 1 just as i go to sleep ? (In the hopes of lower levels in the morning ?) I would say that you should never exceed your prescribed dose. If you feel that your blood glucose levels are too high on your current dose, then discuss it with your doctor or nurse. Also, if you feel your blood glucose levels are too high in the mornings, then there are quite a few things you can do before resorting to increased medication. Have a google for Dawn Phenomenon, which may explain what is happening. And many of us have experimented with different quantities and timing of food and snacks which (for some people) have a great effect on their morning readings. Resurgam Type 2 (in remission!) Well-Known Member The maximum dose of Metformin is 4 tablets, so the short answer would be no. I never saw any difference when I stopped taking it, so I doubt it will have the effect you desire. It isn't anything fast acting, so it doesn't have an immediate effect anyway. Ok thank you. This morning it was quite a bit lower at 8.3, throughout the day it's around 7 still. Ok thank you. This morning it was quite a bit lower at 8.3, throughout the day it's around 7 still. you do count your grams of carbs dont you ? that is essential to gain control I believe yes 2000mg is the maximal dose of recomended metformin, I only get 1700mg a day a Continue reading >>

Whats The Most Metformin You Can Take?

Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please,join our community todayto contribute and support the site. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Been type 2 for about a year now. First a1c results were ove 11 and now down around 6.1. Last six months I was having morning fasting numbers between 100-125. However the last month my fasting numbers in the morning are averaging around 150.. There has been no major changes in my diet or excercise progam. I take metformin (1000) twice a day. Exercise regulary and am not overweight. Do you think it may be time to go with more metformin? I see my MD again next month. What is the highest amount of metformin you can take? I did a search, and on medicinenet.com as well as some others, the maximum dosage for metformin is 2550 mg/day, generally divided into 3 doses. I don't think i've ever typed any dication on anyone taking over 1000 mg twice a day (at least in the 3 years i've been on it...probably didn't pay attention before then). Have you experimented with taking your dinner dose at bedtime to see if it will help the a.m. numbers? I take my metformin around 10 pm....just not on an empty stomach. I take 3 mets a day breakfast lunch Dinner. for a total of 1500 I tried moving my dinner metformin to when i go to bed seemed to help me this morning. might have been a fluke I take 1000 met in the morning and 1500 with dinner in the evening I took 850MG 3 x day for a year before I switched to ER version. I was told ER version is only 750MG. I have taken 750mg 3 x day for over a year. I take 1000mg 3 times a day and have done so for about 15 years with no problems. Have you experimented with taking your dinner dose at bedtime to see if it will help the a.m. numbers? I take my metformin around 10 pm....j Continue reading >>

Can Metformin Kill You - Medhelp

Common Questions and Answers about Can metformin kill you My husband passed away 1/21/2015 from cirrhosis ,,,about 5 years ago they took him by ambulance from work to the hospital,,,He had severe liver infection the doctors said was from the metformin,,,he was in ICU 4 days and they switched him to glipizide,,,The liver infection from the metformin caused the cirrhosis which killed him,,,,Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with diet and since his illness I have done a lot of research,,,, metformin will kill you ,,maybe not this year or the next but it wil Thanks so much for sharing your story. You can message me anytime you need to vent or just chat. I do feel the same way at times and experience quite a bit of anger too. I also have some prayers that I use. If your interested I can send them to you. I went 16 months without a period and my doctor freaked out when she found out (I recently changed doctors). Cysts can make you irregular, as can thyroid conditions. I'm sure there are other reasons. I know that when it would go for extended periods of time, I would take test after test after test and they would always be negative...... just got my first positive result in about 3-4 years yesterday, and confirmed with blood test.Good Luck and you have my thoughts. My water broke at 17 weeks and i lost most of the the water before i reached the hospital. My CRP and infections levels were little high and was induced to terminate my first pregnancy which i concieved after 2 yrs of hope. I was also a PCOS patient and was on metformin for almost 18 months. It has been very traumatic to lose my little baby even when the heart beat was very strong after 8 hrs of the water loss. I started piling on the weight and got very lethargic until i decided i need help so i went to a suresli Continue reading >>