Hi,
I've posted a few times recently about problems I was having with metformin. I had a range of symptoms with it - mostly well documented side effects and a debilitating stonking headache. However I also had a rash that worried both me and my GP who thought I may have an allergy to it. I stopped the metformin, had a two week break with no medication and all side effects disappeared within a few days. I then started taking metformin SR. Within hours of taking the first tablet the rash was back. I stuck with it on one 500mg tablet once a day for almost three weeks and the rash didn't worsen but it's still there and my skin is marked and broken where i've been scratching, especially in my sleep.
I saw my GP yesterday who confirmed that it's probably an allergy and to stop the metformin again. We had a discussion about what was best to do including continuing on metformin whilst taking it with an antihistamine. I wasn't convinced this was viable especially since I would have to increase the metformin dosage. My BG levels are almost always in low double figures at the moment.
He asked to think further about what would be best and call me this morning. When he rang he sugested that I start on pioglitazone. I've read the patient info on the drug and am concerned about the range of what appear to be fairly serious side effects. Far worse than a rash! The weight gain also bothers me as I really need to keep losing weight not put it back on. My GP said it was weight neutral but that is contrary to all I've read.
My dilemma is whether to make an appointment to discuss medication again or just take the pioglitazone and see what happens. Decisions, decisions, what to do....
Any advice or anyone with any experience of pioglitazone??
Thanks
I've posted a few times recently about problems I was having with metformin. I had a range of symptoms with it - mostly well documented side effects and a debilitating stonking headache. However I also had a rash that worried both me and my GP who thought I may have an allergy to it. I stopped the metformin, had a two week break with no medication and all side effects disappeared within a few days. I then started taking metformin SR. Within hours of taking the first tablet the rash was back. I stuck with it on one 500mg tablet once a day for almost three weeks and the rash didn't worsen but it's still there and my skin is marked and broken where i've been scratching, especially in my sleep.
I saw my GP yesterday who confirmed that it's probably an allergy and to stop the metformin again. We had a discussion about what was best to do including continuing on metformin whilst taking it with an antihistamine. I wasn't convinced this was viable especially since I would have to increase the metformin dosage. My BG levels are almost always in low double figures at the moment.
He asked to think further about what would be best and call me this morning. When he rang he sugested that I start on pioglitazone. I've read the patient info on the drug and am concerned about the range of what appear to be fairly serious side effects. Far worse than a rash! The weight gain also bothers me as I really need to keep losing weight not put it back on. My GP said it was weight neutral but that is contrary to all I've read.
My dilemma is whether to make an appointment to discuss medication again or just take the pioglitazone and see what happens. Decisions, decisions, what to do....
Any advice or anyone with any experience of pioglitazone??
Thanks