Metformin

Waves2Stars

Does anyone take Metformin for BC? I already knew the connection of cancer and sugar/glucose, and I’ve avoided it until last year. I’ve read on pubmed info about it helping to control growth factors. I know I can do that with diet and exercise, but there is a history of diabetes in my family, and my grandmother was Native American, so I want to reduce that tendency as much as possible.

If you take it for BC, is it a trial, or off label?

Anonymous

I think Metformin is part of the protocol that “Care Oncology” uses -

https://careoncology.com/

They repurpose prescription drugs to enhance your conventional treatment.

I think Jane McLelland discusses Metformin in her book “How to Starve Cancer” also.

Not sure if conventional oncologists or primary care physicians will prescribe, especially for someone who isn’t metastatic

Waves2Stars

Thanks, I will look at the book and website!

AliceBastable

I was on Metformin when I got cancer, and I'm sure I'm not the only diabetic in the world on Metformin who got cancer. I've only seen it used adjunctively in a few Stage 4 patients.

SpecialK

I am not diabetic, and have high-ish normal glucose as a result of having previously been on Lipitor, normal A1C, and my oncologist has prescribed Metformin for me for the breast cancer prevention benefit based on studies he has read about it. Same thing with low-dose aspirin. My primary care (military hospital) would not prescribe Metformin even though they are also aware of the same studies,because I did not fall into the parameters for diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Trishyla

I use both metformin and desloratadine for their potential anti cancer properties. My primary care, who is an Osteopath, prescribes them for me. She was hesitant when I first brought it up, but when she did her research she felt that since their side effects are so minimal it was worth trying them. So far I've had no adverse effects.

I've also just started taking DIM, with her approval, in lieu of an aromatase inhibitor. I tried the AI's, but the side effects were too severe for me to continue.

Do they work to prevent a cancer reoccurrence? Who knows. But for me it's worth giving it a shot.

Good luck.

Trish

AliceBastable

I hate taking Metformin so I guess I can't understand anyone wanting it based on "MAYBE it will do X." I can just tolerate the 500 mg once a day. My A1c crept up at one point and my doctor raised the dose to 750. I took it ONCE and was rewarded with uncontrollable, explosive diarrhea. When I let my doctor's office know, they said, "Oh, yeah, that happens with some people." WTF? I had to stop altogether and work my way up to the 500 mg again with partial pills. Just letting you know that like every drug, you need to be aware of possible side effects.

KIDI919

Trishyla, What is DIM?

Anonymous

Good to know some doctors are willing to work with us and be flexible on things like this 👍🏼

Alice, damn, that sounds rough.

BettyMorgan

I take Metformin for insulin resistance. Before I was diagnosed with bc

Trishyla

DIM is a supplement, KID1919, made from basically the active ingredient in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts. It is supposed to act much like an aromatase inhibitor, but with far fewer side effects. It's been paired with Tamoxifen in a couple of clinical trials to great effect.

It's available without a prescription at vitamin stores and on Amazon.

KIDI919

Trishyla , thanks! I am looking at supplements...sick of the SE from Al. I know all supplements don't agree with everyone, just like drugs. But it would be nice to half the dose of Al's.

purple32

Anyone talking desloratadine - can you give me the MG dosage ?

Many Thanks!

purple32

AliceBastab Did you ask your DR for EXTENDED RELEASE metformin>
Has anyone tried BERBERINE supplenent for glucose control ?

Spookiesmom

Oh yeah, diarrhea is a known se. I was rx that when first dx with diabetes. Not a good med when you’re a school bus driver. Tried with food, extended release, nope. It’s a great diabetes med if you can tolerate it, for cancer? Not so sure.

emotionalpond

I've been in metformin for about 12 years for insulin resistance. And am still on it. I take 2000 mg a day. 2 pills at lunch and 2 pills at dinner.