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Have you seen these commercials?

DaveInCali

Member
Messages
15
Location
California USA
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Diabetes
Have you seen the commercials for these diabetes meds?? There are people standing around a bbq laughing and flipping burgers, or at a party toasting champagne and there is a guy in the background listing off all of these disclaimers.

"May cause blood to shoot out of your eyes, your pancreas may explode, brain function may cease, dog's will hate you, your taxes will increase, constant diarrhea, no sex drive, demon possession etc..." Or something to that affect.


Are the meds really that bad?? If so I think the cure is worse than the disease!! My friend is taking Metformin and he seems to be doing ok.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think we're pretty lucky not to have those kind of commercials on TV - at least in Australia where I live, but I think the UK is the same.

Which particular meds are you talking about? Metformin is also known as 'metfartin' for good reason

If you want a review of meds and possible side effects, this web page is pretty comprehensive:
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/17977284.php
 
They don't advertise metformin as the patent expired long ago. However, even metformin has side effects (from http://www.drugs.com/sfx/metformin-side-effects.html):

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking metformin:

More common
  • Abdominal or stomach discomfort
  • cough or hoarseness
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • fast or shallow breathing
  • fever or chills
  • general feeling of discomfort
  • lower back or side pain
  • muscle pain or cramping
  • painful or difficult urination
  • sleepiness
Less common
  • Anxiety
  • blurred vision
  • chest discomfort
  • cold sweats
  • coma
  • confusion
  • cool, pale skin
  • depression
  • difficult or labored breathing
  • dizziness
  • fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • feeling of warmth
  • headache
  • increased hunger
  • increased sweating
  • nausea
  • nervousness
  • nightmares
  • redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
  • seizures
  • shakiness
  • shortness of breath
  • slurred speech
  • tightness in the chest
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • wheezing
Rare
  • Behavior change similar to being drunk
  • difficulty with concentrating
  • drowsiness
  • lack or loss of strength
  • restless sleep
  • unusual sleepiness
Some of the side effects that can occur with metformin may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

More common
  • Acid or sour stomach
  • belching
  • bloated
  • excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
  • full feeling
  • heartburn
  • indigestion
  • loss of appetite
  • metallic taste in the mouth
  • passing of gas
  • stomachache
  • stomach upset or pain
  • vomiting
  • weight loss
Less common
  • Abnormal stools
  • bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
  • change in taste
  • difficulty with moving
  • discoloration of the fingernails or toenails
  • flu-like symptoms
  • joint pain
  • rash
  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • stuffy nose
  • swollen joints
 

"Metfartin" made me laugh. In hebrew "met" means dead, so that "deadfartin" resonated pretty well.
 
Some of the commercials are dangerous - anything chronic needs professional advice, not over-the-counter remedies or gadgets.
 
I've been on metformin for about 12 years, & low carb for 7. I did have Gaviscon on repeat prescription, but very rarely have trouble - I've still got a bottle from years ago. [Don't tell me to look at the date.] I take mostly the slow release version now, & no other meds, apart from tea.

BUT -

Gaviscon Blues

I woke up this morning
in the middle of the night;
dreaming of Gaviscon -
heartburn stabbed me like a knife.
Came down & put the kettle on;
drank tea and Gaviscon.

I went back to bed at 6 & slept till 8:30. No further problem
 
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