Prolia and Metformin

I take Metformin. There is alot of info out there and clinical trials are ongoing.

I talked my family doctor into prescribing it for me. I've been on it 2 years.

I just had my first appt. yesterday with a bone specialist as a result of osteopenia, almost osteoporosis especially in my lower lumbar area. I suspected that a bisphosphonate would be prescribed and yes~~prolia. My MO made the suggestion quite awhile ago but I was not keen then and had not been on anastrozole that long. Now it is almost 3 years and there is more degeneration so I said yes and will start as soon as I have the required blood work. But my MO back then made reference to it possible helping against recurrence. The endocrinologist (specialty in bone disease) said that at the San Antonio conference last month that a 5 year study has come out saying that there is evidence that it also helps to prevent recurrence. I have not yet had time to look up the abstract but will.

I'm interested in metformin for my mom. For those of you who mentioned that you are taking it now- how did you convince your doctors to prescribe it without being diabetic?

Should we schedule an appointment with her general doctor or her oncologist to discuss? My mom's onc has never suggested any preventative measures other than the standard protocol. I've had to do hours and hours of research and bring all of my findings of any preventativedrugs and clinical trial openings to his attention and ask for permission and even then it feels like he is extremely reluctant to agree with me and prescribe medications that have shown to improve survival. Thankfully he was willing to allow her to receive zometa every 6 months after asking multiple times. I was hoping for monthly or quarterly zometa infusions but I guess I'll take what I can get.

My mom is also currently participating in the Neuvax trial so entering into a study featuring metformin is not an option unfortunately.

Prolia is actually not a bisphosphanate, it is a monoclonal antibody drug. Bisphosphanates - oral drugs like Actonel, Fosamax, and Boniva - and the IV drug Reclast - work to strengthen the bones by coating them, sometimes causing a lack of elasticity and subsequent fracture. Prolia (denosumab, same drug as Xgeva, but a different dosing schedule), works for menopausal patients by slowing the old bone removal mechanism which allows the new bone creation to catch up. Both bisphosphanates and denosumab have shown that stronger bone density is a less hospitable environment for bone mets

For all of you interested in taking Metformin.... I take a supplement that mimics its affect. Its called Glycol X. It helps regulate blood sugars which is the key factor as to why Metformin possibly works to reduce recurrence. Im taking a more holistic approach to treatment. Please feel free to private message me if you want to talk details. Good luck to you all....

I've heard about these studies. Both my MO and PCP declined a prescription request because my blood sugar and bone density are "better than normal for my age". I can only hope that it means that neither of them would have helped me anyway.

Maggs - Just wanted to say hello!  Glad to see you!  I always

have you to thank for your encouragement about being proactive about getting on Metformin.

As for how did I convince my GP - I sat down and talked with her,

told her to research it, she did, then prescribed it for me.   

Denise

Met can be a wonderful drug for diabetics. Be aware that it can cause diarrhea. Then ask for the extended release, and take with food. Can help with weight loss too.

marianelizabeth - I have been on Prolia for several years and it has been great for me, with zero side effects. I was osteopenic prior to breast cancer diagnosis due to an early hyst/ooph.  I remained stable until chemo and AI drugs which took me to the brink of osteoporosis.  Prolia reversed me back to normal density by the fifth injection, where I remain. Good luck!

I've been reading up on Metformin and it sounds VERY promising!
I have an appointment with my MO in February, once I've completed rads and will ask him about a prescription for it then.

I'm on Metformin. My PCP was on board because she had already heard the talk from the clinical trials, but when she wrote the prescription, she said, "this is for your PCOS. Wink Wink."

I really do have PCOS and she knows it, but it just made her feel better to have the rationale for prescribing it.

I also take both Metformin and Zometa. My mo said she agrees to do Zometa for three years---I want it longer--anyone have research that shows it's ok beyond three years? I need to ask her why only 3 years. Does anyone know here to why only 3 years