Is metformin okay for a person with a deformed chest and diabetes?

[Adlon57]

I have recently been told I have diabetes, then told to go into isolation for 12 weeks, because of Covid 19 in March. I was put on metformin 1000 mg a day, I also have epilepsy, which I take Vimpat 400 mg and Briviact 75 mg, and Lisinopril 10 mg for high blood pressure. I have 70/75% lung capacity due to deformed chest since birth, I am a rotten sleeper at the best of times. Now I cannot breathe properly and sleep is now practically non-existent, surely not a good idea, especially with the likes of Coronavirus with its respiratory undertones in the background? I have lost 2 stone since December, am on PIP, mostly isolated, living on my own, retired, so weight is naturally going down anyway? I should have been told about the side effects of metformin, and my chest condition taken into consideration when put on this stuff in the first place?

[hunter5582]

Here is the information out of ePocrates for Metformin contraindications.

Contraindications / Cautions .

hypersens. to drug/class/compon.

eGFR <30

eGFR 30-45 (tx initiation)

metabolic acidosis

diabetic ketoacidosis

lactic acidosis

hypoxemia

(below normal oxygen in blood)

dehydration

sepsis

surgery

hepatic dz

caution in pts 65 yo and older

caution in premenopausal anovulatory pts

caution if renal impairment

caution if CHF

(Congestive Heart Failure)

caution if alcohol abuse

caution if hypoglycemia risk

There are no drug interactions listed for Metformin-Vimpat-Briviact-Lisinopril

Adverse Reactions for Metformin

Serious Reactions

lactic acidosis

anemia, megaloblastic

hepatotoxicity

Common Reactions

diarrhea

nausea

vomiting

flatulence

asthenia

indigestion

abdominal discomfort

anorexia

headache

metallic taste

rash

ovulation induction

Like all things, it is about risk/benefit analysis. Untreated diabetes is quite dangerous. Would expect that in balance, metformin is preferable to untreated diabetes. The only issue that seems to flag is if your oxygen levels are low.

If you do not have a pulse oximeter - get one. That way you can check your own heart rate and oxygen levels easily. Expect you already have your own sphignometer to measure blood pressure. Another good purchase if you do not have one.

Hope that helps.

[Adlon57 in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks Hunter5582, plenty of food for thought! all the best.

[Hidden]

I would suggest given all the current comorbidities that you consult your doctor or healthcare consultant to get the right information as there may be possible contraindications.