Metformin

[Biglad1]

Recently (8wks) ago stopped taking my 500mg metformin medication and feel miles better more energy not out of breath as much, had a blood test done hemoglobin level 41. No more diarrhea and generally a whole lot better. Could that of been making my heartfailure worse?? Anyone else had this problem?

[tea-cup]

Hi , I’m on 2000 mg a day Metformin for type 2diabetes and have to have B 12 injections every 3 months as Metformin interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12.

[Chappychap]

Two of the main benefits of Metformin are helping diabetics and pre-diabetics flush excess sugar from their bloodstream, and also reducing the risk of heart attack by somewhere in the region of 35% to 40% (different studies come to different conclusions).

I'm not on Metformin, but if my HbA1c scores (blood sugar levels) were to deteriorate then I'd consider requesting Metformin.

However, if you feel the short term quality of life disadvantages outweigh the long term diabetes/heart attack benefits of Metformin, then that's your call. No one can force us to take medication, but we should make our decisions in full possession of the facts and only after discussing the pros and cons with our doctors.

At the very least I'd suggest you watch your HbA1c levels like a hawk, and if they move in the wrong direction then reconsider your choice to stop Metformin.

Good luck!

[Biglad1 in reply to Chappychap]

If I took it I wouldn't be able to work

[Chappychap in reply to Biglad1]

I understand. I get that these are tough choices.

Metformin delivers real benefits, but for some people comes with difficult side effects. Only you can decide if the risks of abandoning a medication are worth it. All I can say is talk to your doctor, see if there are any alternatives or if a reduced dose is an option. And if you do decide to stop then keep an open mind about going back on in the future.

Good luck!

[Biglad1 in reply to Chappychap]

Can for some people not all people are the same

[Deejay62]

Yes I have heart failure, was diagnosed borderline and I got put on it. I became very very ill, breathless and retained fluid. I got taken off of it by diabetic doctor who told me he can’t understand why I was put on it in the first place.

When I was placed on dapagliflozin I was very reluctant because it gets rid of glucose from the system. After 3 tries by heart failure doctor I gave in. I’ve been on it over a year and my heart function as actually improved and my body as tolerated it.

[Skertchly]

I feel better when I forget to take Metformin, have more energy a head clearer., but that could be the other pills. I hate taking pills but I do what I’m told. I’ve had a pacemaker fitted since taking Metformin for my insulin dependent diabetes.

[Biglad1]

Update been to see Dr today he's happy with me stopping taking it and my current sugar levels after 6wk are OK.