Drug repositioning - metformin

[Sunnydrinking]

Hi Ladies

I’ve read lots of research around metformin and the possibility that it could help with breast cancer.

I currently have progression in the liver and palbociclib has been stopped and I’ve been left on letrozole for the timebeing.

My husband is a type II diabetic and we have loads of metformin - should I start taking one a day and see what happens?

Jo xx

[Hidden]

Hi Jo,

I am taking metformin off-label, along with other repurposed drugs. I would advise you to seek medical advice first before you start taking metformin. My integrative doctor prescribes it for me, as my GP and oncologist are not on board with using off-label drugs. It is best to be under the supervision of a doctor so that you can be closely monitored.

Sophie

[Hidden]

Please seek medical advice. My husband is on Metformin and I’m on Letrozole and Pablociclib. I wouldn’t dream of taking his drugs for fear it may interfere with your blood count etc. I hope you can get some sensible advice and help on this. Best wishes

[Lilykristymichael]

Such great advice ladies. Seems to me that restricting our sugar intake is a factor in better health. For a good program on how to up your chances of overcoming cancer go to: takecharge.life. Very practical and encouraging.

[8576 in reply to Lilykristymichael]

Yes, always good advice here. Just wanted to add to your note about sugar. I had a breast removed Jan 3rd this year. Wonderful surgeon. I had virtually no pain or discomfort. Her firm and only advice was drink plenty of water, no sugar, and low salt. I have done that and lost 20 lbs. since then. I am so happy. I don't remember to drink a lot of water but I try and eat a lot of soup. (That helps.) Have a good day.

Cheers, June S.

[mariootsi]

Jo, I would talk to your onc about taking it!

[hdhonda]

It caused me unrelenting diarrhea. I had to get off it. I was put on it for type 2 diabetes. I am now on Trulicity.

Taking a diabetes drug without diabetes will need close monitoring. You don't want to go into a diabetic coma. Blessings Hannah

[Arisgram]

I asked my oncologist about taking it before my MBC diagnosis. He was steadfastly opposed.

I had my liver biopsy Tuesday and was changed from ibrance and exemestane to everolimus and letrazole. Hopefully, your oncologist will make a treatment decision soon. I have my fingers crossed for you!

Andi

[SusieIM]

I hope my dear fellow warrior, that you have medical advise about this. Sending a hug your way.

[Barbteeth]

Sandra when I had a consultation at the COC in London...one of the drugs they prescribed was Metformin...it made me feel awful ( I know it was that as I introduced them separately)... I ended up throwing them away

Barb xx

[Hidden]

Please seek medical advice as this affects other parts of your body and when it is used for cancer it is in conjunction with other drugs. One by itself wouldn’t help. There are ladies on here that do take it. Check with them