I am at Stage 4 CKD. I read in some posts the concern over Metformin. I am taking Janumet. What more should I know to determine if I should keep taking Janumet. It has kept my blood glucose in check while I have been eating more carbs (to replace some of the energy I have been losing by cutting back on protein).
Thank you!
Do you see a nephrologist? If so, I’d suggest that you talk with him or her about this. I was initially placed on Metformin. When I reached Stage IIIb I was taken off Metformin due to its effect upon renal function. By Stage IV, I believe most are moved to a different medication. Fortunately, in my case it was clear to my new internist that I didn’t need medication to control my Type II diabetes. So when she pulled me off Metformin she did not place me on a different medication. I’m still on no medications for my diabetes today, 7 years later.
Jayhawker
Hi there, Jayhawker. Wow! I really admire that you’ve managed to manage your blood sugar levels so well on your own without any meds. That’s awesome! That’s actually what I strive for. I’ve been doing my best to achieve normal readings without needing any insulin. I am a type 2 diabetic, and had required insulin since 2007. But in recent years, since I dropped some weight, I didn’t require it as much any longer. I’m able to manage most of the time relying on a mostly low-carb diet and plenty of walking. Now, the only time I may need a few units is maybe on special occasions when I indulge in some sweets, or my true savoury love, potato chips! I’m so bad! (But not as bad as I used to be. Thank goodness!) Best wishes to everyone! And just want to tell you, Jayhawker, you’re a real inspiration! Thanks. 😊👍
I'd suggest going to drugs.com and entering all of your medications to find out about issues that they may cause you. Some interactions may be mild, some moderate, and some more severe. You can then ask your prescribing physicians about changes either in meds or the dosage.
When you set up a free account you can sign up for newsletters that will keep you updated on new meds, recalls, and other health information that doesn't always make the local news.
Hi Bella,
I would speak to your doctor about your concerns. See the link below about Janumet.
There are drugs that are nephrotoxic (not good for the kidney) and others that are renal safe or kidney friendly. Those are the drugs you want to be on. My now ex-doctor switched me off of Januvia to Tragenta and my sugar went totally out of control. At the time, they thought Januvia was nephrotoxic. I kept asking him to put me back on Januvia and he kept saying to wait to see if it would work. Meanwhile, my GFR slipped three points and my triglycerides went out of control. I took myself off and went back on the Januvia and found a new doctor. Turns out that Januvia is not bad for the kidney in the dosage I am on.
merckconnect.com/janumet/do...
goodrx.com/blog/10-worst-me...
Hello 2015Bella! I think visiting Drugs.com would be a good idea, as Mr. Kidney suggests. My understanding from the commercial ads for most diabetes medications is that it is very possible that they could have a negative impact on the kidneys, so I would imagine that this is even more so the case for those us whose kidneys are already in a weakened state. I know that they work well for many people in controlling blood sugar levels, but quite honestly, I don’t think that I would chance causing further damage to my kidneys if I could avoid it by perhaps, finding a better way to maintain healthier BS levels. I’ve been finding that low carb dieting and plenty of exercise / activity have been very helpful in that respect. Hope this helps you, dear. Keep us posted. Best wishes! 😊
Talk to your doctor. Most will stop Metformin if your eGFR drops below 30
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