Metformin-Anyone on this trial?

Yes -- they even ran a preg test if I had to have a procedure done.  The best question asked - - when was my last period. I had just stated I had an ooph procedure done 2 years prior.  I sure hope the person in the uniform wasn't a nurse because she didn't seem to know what it was. This was an OB/GYN practise (I no longer go there......).

I have stopped taking Metformin as the GI problems for me were horrendous. The trial nurse has suggested we stop for 3 months and then reconsider. I really did not feel well during my 40 days on them...the double dose crippled me with inflammation of the bowels then lower back issues. I like to walk at least 5k x5 per week and with lower back severe pain, it wasn't comfortable to say the least.

I think overall it is hard to say what is happening as I am 90days PFC and 30days post rads. So...we shall see~

I have a friend that has diabetes and she told me gets constipated on Metformine...so the other way around does happens.

Did anyone notice weight loss when taking it?

My GP agreed to give it to me, she has me on a low dose for now though, can I ask what dose people here are taking?  I am seeing her next week and want to get it on par with people on the trial.  Oh and definitely not constipation for me, the opposite.

First 30 days...850mg x 1 ...day 31, 850mg twice per day. Always with meals.

I have lost almost 30 pounds (I gained 35 during treatment - due to swelling, lack of activity, etc.) So am just about 8 pounds form my norm on a very large frame.  I think its the metformin as I've been on tamoxifen and that causes weight gain.  I had barely any stomach discomfort.  sorry to ehar about your side effects.

I have had some GI issues on this.

Has anyone tried probiotics /  ( like culturelle )  I was wondering.

metformin has been used for years to treat diabetes and most of iys side effects are wll documented.  it is so cheap to produce that it is free at grocery stores here in fl.  my onc is part of the survey.  i told him i was just ordering it from an off-shore pharmacy.  the whole idea is so logical to me.  they know glucose excites tumors...thats why they give it before scans.  women with diabetes who take it have less bc than those who don't.  with the rise in obesity and diabetes, we konw see a rise in stage4 bc in young women.  i don't believe in coincidences!

Timbuktu, there's actually no way of explaining what you experienced as due to metformin because metformin is not known to cause low blood sugar.  Pretty much every other treatment for diabetes can do that, but with metformin alone the incidence of low blood sugar is no higher than placebo.  Low blood sugar can definitely be a harbinger of type II diabetes, as glucose handling problems often first manifest with disordered pancreatic response that sometimes results in more of the body's own insulin being in the blood than is appropriate.  

I asked my primary care dr. to prescribe metformin for its anti cancer potential and for its (hopefully) weight loss properties.  I wasn't eligible for the clinical trial.

What have your experiences generally been, especially for those who aren't diabetic to start?

Thanks,

I am not diabetic and my onc has had me on metformin for about 2 years now, after a dx of ADH. I take 500 mg 2x day. I can't say that I have had any side effects at all, and although I have lost weight (a total of about 18 lbs), I can't say it's directly due to the metformin. I have cleaned up my diet and ramped up my exercise in a major way. Perhaps the metformin does somewhat curb my appetite? Anyway, no downside, from my perspective.

My doc prescribed Metformin for me as I missed out on the trial. I have been nervous about starting it, but you ladies have made me feel more comfortable. I hope I lose some weight on it.

Hi 

I am also in Ontario and really interested that you started on Metformin. I am seriously considering the same. I have more surgery and 2 more rounds of chemo..so it will be a while, but good choice on your part. I think it sounds very promising and the researcher in charge seems (Goodwin) seems amazing! Best of luck to you.

I'm taking metformin also 850 mg twice per day. I don't have diabetes, have never been overweight, eat a super healthy diet and exercise every day but interestingly enough my fasting blood sugar was 99 which is borderline. My two obese sisters do not have diabetes.



I did have to start slow and gradually increase my dose, but I don't feel any side effects now. I was hoping it would help the constipation from the arimidex, but doesn't seem to have.