• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Coming off Metformin?

T

Treebo

Member
Messages
11
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi. Is it OK to just stop taking Metformin?
GP text says one thing, "you can now stop taking Metformin."
NHS website says you need to make a plan with GP to phase it out.
I've been on Metformin for about two years since being diagnosed with HB1ac of 98.
I've recently got it down to 38. Currently taking two 500 mg tabs a day.
At an Asthma appointment yesterday I asked this (GP is difficult to speak to) and she said if the text says come off it straight away, it must mean do that.
Anyone had advice on this?
 
We can’t give medical advice on the forum but I would agree with the person you spoke to at your asthma appointment, (I assume it’s a HCP) if the GP texted you to stop taking it then that’s the medical advice you’ve had
 
Treebo said:
GP text says one thing, "you can now stop taking Metformin."
NHS website says you need to make a plan with GP to phase it out.
Click to expand...
Metformin itself is not one of those drugs that need to be tapered down, no withdrawal effects or such.
The only thing that can happen when you stop is blood glucose going up again.

The text from the NHS website sounds like they mean 'don't stop medication on your own without consulting your GP'.
You're on a relatively low dose too, doses are typically 500, 1000, 1500, or 2000 mg.
How do you feel about stopping the metformin? Would you like to stop or do you feel it helps you? You have a say in this as well.

Well done on the amazing reduction in hba1c!
 
Treebo said:
Hi. Is it OK to just stop taking Metformin?
GP text says one thing, "you can now stop taking Metformin."
NHS website says you need to make a plan with GP to phase it out.
I've been on Metformin for about two years since being diagnosed with HB1ac of 98.
I've recently got it down to 38. Currently taking two 500 mg tabs a day.
At an Asthma appointment yesterday I asked this (GP is difficult to speak to) and she said if the text says come off it straight away, it must mean do that.
Anyone had advice on this?
Click to expand...
Hi @Treebo .
None of us here can advise you on your medication with anything that would contradict what your doctor or other HCP you have seen has told you.
It does appear from your post that your GP has told you you can stop, and that was confirmed by the HCP you saw for the asthma check. What you are unsure of is whether or not you should reduce the Metformin gradually? Perhaps the pharmacist who dispensed the prescription could advise you further. If your GP wants you to phase them out then she has possibly altered the prescription to reduce the dose.

Well done on your achievement at reducing the HbA1c.
 
thanks for your replies. Its a good idea to ask the pharmacist, I have to pick up some other meds there soon so I'll ask them there.

I queried the Metformin because I'd read that it wasn't remission until you can do it without taking the meds. and I was hoping to try to do that. I think it will be hard.
 
Treebo said:
thanks for your replies. Its a good idea to ask the pharmacist, I have to pick up some other meds there soon so I'll ask them there.

I queried the Metformin because I'd read that it wasn't remission until you can do it without taking the meds. and I was hoping to try to do that. I think it will be hard.
Click to expand...
Ido find pharmacist to be a good source of advice on anything regarding medication. When I stopped Metformin I did not have to do it gradually. I had been on a very low dose, though.
@Treebo, keep monitoring your blood glucose, and what you are eating. That way you can be aware of any changes you need to make to keep that HbA1c at a reasonable level
Well done and good luck.
 
This writer benefited quite a lot from the question and the replies of the Moderators. Thank you all.
 
Back
Top