Metformin - side effects

[precious6306]

I was diagnosed with PCOS in October 2009, I am 25 and TTC... My OB put me on Metformin, 500mg 3x a day..I started like some other people did- 500mg a day for a week, 1000mh a day for the 2nd week, and then 1500 daily from there on.. I did have the stomach upset for maybe the first week, but that was all... However, I came out of the bath one night and realized a large red mark on the back of my leg behind my knee... I didn't know what to think- I work at a hospital and some people thought it could be ringworm, because it started to spread but never above my knee, mostly on my calf... I went to my PCP and he said it was eczema..He said that the metformin could be causing it and I would have to decide can I handle the exzema to have kids, or no... It got to the point where I just stopped taking the metformin, plus I was in a car wreck and had to have an MRI and they told me not to take my metformin again for 7 days...and I just never started back, my question would be has anyone else gotten eczema from metformin? And I have not talked to my OB about other meds, but are there other meds available for PCOS? Besides birth control...?

[kklownluv]

Hi,

Some ladies on the board take Actos, Glumetza or maybe you could try Metformin ER (extended release).

It would hurt to try another kind to see if you still get the side effect.

I think the Glumetza is the r/x that gets the best reviews.

I take Metformin but have no side effects expect for the stomach issues.

Good luck!

[jessienevins0314]

I was diagnosed with PCOS in October 2009, I am 25 and TTC... My OB put me on Metformin, 500mg 3x a day..I started like some other people did- 500mg a day for a week, 1000mh a day for the 2nd week, and then 1500 daily from there on.. I did have the stomach upset for maybe the first week, but that was all... However, I came out of the bath one night and realized a large red mark on the back of my leg behind my knee... I didn't know what to think- I work at a hospital and some people thought it could be ringworm, because it started to spread but never above my knee, mostly on my calf... I went to my PCP and he said it was eczema..He said that the metformin could be causing it and I would have to decide can I handle the exzema to have kids, or no... It got to the point where I just stopped taking the metformin, plus I was in a car wreck and had to have an MRI and they told me not to take my metformin again for 7 days...and I just never started back, my question would be has anyone else gotten eczema from metformin? And I have not talked to my OB about other meds, but are there other meds available for PCOS? Besides birth control...?

hi! i take metformin 1500mg a day - it takes a while for your stomach to get used to, but your doctor should start you on a lower dose and then gradually increase as your SE's improve. i started out at 500mg a day too, and now i take two 500's in the AM and 1 in the PM. i personally have never heard of eczema being caused by metformin and i cant find anything by google'ing it either - you would really need to ask your doc that one. there are natural supplements that can help PCOS, but metformin is highly recommended due to the fact that most women with PCOS have insulin resistance, or blood sugar problems. the following is from the PCOS support site's natural supplements info - hope it helps!

*Are you looking for a natural approach to alleviate PCOS symptoms?

A variety of supplemental nutrients are currently being used by some health practitioners in treating various aspects of polycycstic ovary syndrome. Please note that not all supplements are appropriate for everyone. It is very important that you consult with your medical practitioner to determine what is the best solution for you and to determine safe dosage levels.

Alpha lipoic acid
Bilberry
Biotin
Carnitine
Chasteberry (Vitex)
Chromium
Cinnamon root
CLA
d-Pinitol
Fish Oil
Gymnema
Indole 3 carbanol
Inositol
Licorice
Magnesium
Momordica
NAC
Natural progesterone
Quercetin
Saw Palmetto
Slentiva
Vanadyl sulfate
Vitamin B12 & folic acid
Vitamin B6
Vitamin D
Zinc