Has anyone been prescribed METAFORMIN by GP for Fibromyalgia?

[Bonesache]

METAFORMIN prescription?

[phlebo123]

Hi, I just spoke to my daughter who is a pharmacist. She says metformin is normally prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Do you have a diagnosis of diabetes? She has never heard of it being given for fibromyalgia. Perhaps you could speak to your doctor and confirm why he has prescribed it for you. Take care xx

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

There was a retrospective analysis study that suggested a possible use. But it has not been approved for use and the evidence is nowhere near any useful level.

[Alb2 in reply to desquinn]

I understand that it is being considered in analgesic terms as a couple of studies showed it reduced pain in some pre-diabetic patients with diagnosed fibromyalgia (Web-med). Evidence seems a bit nebulous to me though.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Alb2]

I think your talking about the smaller Texas one and this is the study limitation notes to be aware of.

"Study Limitations and Future Outlook

Dr. Pappolla emphasized that his team’s findings came with several caveats. First, due to the study’s retrospective, cross-sectional design, the study did not reveal any potentially causative timeline between the development of insulin resistance and fibromyalgia. This relationship may be further complicated as individuals with fibromyalgia are often overweight or obese, and such excess body weight may predispose patients to insulin resistance. Lastly, interpreting the results related to metformin treatment was a challenge for two reasons: the study lacked a placebo-control group for comparison, and metformin’s ability to reduce pain may come through other pathways unrelated to insulin resistance.

A larger, randomized control trial investigating metformin’s therapeutic effects for patients with fibromyalgia would be beneficial, noted Dr. Goldstein. “If they could get the same results,” he said, “this would eliminate [the] many people who have been given opioids to deal with pain.”

[Alb2 in reply to desquinn]

Yes, I was wondering how they would address the variables? How might they distinguish between diabetic related pain and fibromyalgia related pain? M’mmm, will wait to hear re further controlled studies.

[Bambi60]

Hi Bonesache, Metformin is what I take for type 2 diabetes - I am not aware of it being used for fibromyalgia. I'd have a word with your GP. Best wishes x

[Midori]

There is some research which indicates that it might help with certain aspects, but I don't know how far along that road they have gone, and I don't know of anyone who has been prescribed with it as yet.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Midori]

It was a retrospective analysis and I think it was also later depreciated slightly but cannot remember the details.

[Mackembabe]

Hi I take Metformin for diabetes 2 not found it to be beneficial for Fibro, would check with your GP before taking in case they have given you wrong prescription, take care Love & Hugs Xx