Metformin to TREAT NASH

[Nugget12]

I have been pre-diabetic/metabolic syndrome for many years. Due to lifestyle change, my weight is in normal BMI range. My most recent glucose result was 94. I had a recent Fibroscan result of stage 3 fibrosis and liver biopsy scheduled for next week. My PCP has prescribed Metformin stating it may have a positive effect/ improvement for fatty liver disease. Anyone have experience or any input with this treatment for fatty liver?

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Nugget, well that gets us close to playing doctor. Metformin is one of those challenging drugs. It has been used for a long time with blood sugar issues and it has liver effects so balancing the pros and cons is the docs challenge. One challenge for many patients is that they aren't being treated by a liver specialist. It is generally considered to potentially be helpful for fatty liver but you have stage 3 NASH which carries more risk so it is good that you are asking the questions. It is not recommended for stage 4 NASH.

[Goldilocks317 in reply to nash2]

why is it not recommended for Stage 4?

[nash2 Partner in reply to Goldilocks317]

Metformin is only contraindicated in patients with advanced cirrhosis because it heightens the risk of developing lactic acidosis (4).

[Goldilocks317 in reply to nash2]

thank you

[Nugget12 in reply to nash2]

Thank you! I'm going to wait for the biopsy results and ask more questions before deciding to take metformin.

[Herman7275 in reply to Nugget12]

ALso can cause severe diareaha, as many of my friends diagnosed with same symptoms but the diareaha is there also, I am severely a bad reaction and can't take it.

[Alterity]

They are presently doing research on several diabetic medication to see if it will help with weight loss and help cure NASH. I was to go on the semaglutide shots, but they decided I was to far gone after hearing how many years I have lived with this and after my biopsy. However my Dr. disagrees and we are doing our own research study with Semaglutide shots, however this is hard to get even with a prescription. I've been waiting a month to try it. She is going to watch me weekly through video chat. My insurance is picking it up, but the first cost is $520.00 I need to lose about 60 to 80 pounds. I've already lost 80 from my original weight when diagnosed 22 years ago. Believe me they have learned a lot about NASH in 22 years, but still have a long way to go. I am boarder line diabetic, but this drug will help level the insulin and hopefully the metabolism. My dr. knows that if I start not feeling well, I will call and stop taking the drug. I've been on previous research for over 3 years. The worst part is the biopsies.

[Memorywipe in reply to Alterity]

Hello. I have been on semaglutide for 6 weeks. The first two or three weeks are hard and the step up in dosages are hard with constipation and dizziness. However my glucose is coming down, I feel better all around and ive lost maybe 5 lbs so far. My suggestion is to give it time at the beginning. I have stage 2 NASH Fibrosis and my BMI is 39. So im a big boy but I feel lighter on my feet already. My diet is 65% Mediterranean (still working on it) and my exercise routine is sporadic.

For cost there is a compounding pharmacy in Texas called Texas Star Pharmacy that can make your medicine for cheaper....significantly cheaper. Have your dr look into using a compound pharmacy.

Good Luck

[Golendoodle]

Nugget I can only speck to myself because we’re all different. I was on it for years before being diagnosed with fatty liver. So in my case it did nothing but if you play the devils advocate maybe it would have been worse without it. I must say i stopped taking it in July and my HAIC is 5.3 now! It’s always best to do what your doctor advices but I would always ask what research is she basing this on.

[Mo1780]

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl....

[Jmaxley]

I have Stage 4. I have had metabolic syndrome a few years. I was taken off Metformin last year at the suggestion of my liver doctor in discussion with my PCPregarding untoward side effects with the liver. I was started on Ozempic, which is doing well for me.

[Nugget12 in reply to Jmaxley]

Thank you!

[Jmaxley]

you're welcome!