Metformin not working for me & no alternative!

[gingercat]

Any advice? :?:

Tried metformin - became very tired like before and appeared to start episodes of regular dizziness...told doctor so put on Metformin slow release...no changes to above So off that now..but nothing given..blood sugars still reading between 21 mmol and tonight 27 mmol.

I am watching my carb intake now and read the nutritional information but still really concerned about the effects I am living with: continous thirst, very dry mouth with strange metallic taste or sensation which I think is due to dry mouth,headache and blurred vision, confusion and excessively sleeping, ie: kids at school no energy to do anything today, for example, slept from moment I had arrived home from school drop to when I had to get them. I can't live like this anymore...

Anyone offer help on what to do next?

 

[angieG]

Have you contacted your doctor and told him what your levels are running at? They are too high and you need some treatment if the Metformin isn't helping.
Maybe Gliclacide could help you but your doctor must decide if its appropriate.
Contact someone for an appointment or advice as soon as you can.
Angie

 

[chrissieworne]

Hi Gingercat,

Sorry to hear about your probs, just a thought on the Metformin. I had been prescribed "Metformin" SR by GP and for several months my Pharmacist gave me Bolymin, I got on fine with that, however, 2 prescriptions ago he suddenly changed it to giving me Metformin, the brand and I had tummy probs but persevered, my last prescription he again changed it to Metabet and I was so ill. I asked him why I had been given 2 different forms of Metformin recently and he more or less said hard luck it's the cheapest version of Met and it's all the same anyway, well, obviously it's not.When I compared the leaflet this dreadful version (in my opinion) of Met has 9, yes, 9 other ingredients including talc as well as the Metformin in it.
I created a fuss with my GP and I told him it's not fair to play these financial games with patients who think all forms of Met are the same and obviously are not.
He looked up prices in book and said Metabet is by far the cheapest form of Met therefore giving Pharmacist more **** profit. He said obviously the way this is made upsets me seriously but that if a GP prescribes Met a pharmicist can give any form of it they choose.
He has now changed my repeat prescription stating I must have Bolymin.
I know this doesn't suit everyone but am wondering if a different form of it may suit you better?

Take care
Chrissie

 

[HLW]

Your doctor knows you have diabetes and need treatment, but has told you to stop taking metformin, and has not prescribed anything else instead? Sounds like you need to make a formal complaint to whoever you need to complain to about GPs.

There are many other types of tablet available for type 2 diabetes, a couple of different injectable treatments, and if none of those work (which I think is unlikely unless of course you have type 1 instead) there is insulin.

So don't worry if metformin doesn't work, there are alternatives.

With levels like yours, you need to check for ketones - do you have urine test strips for ketones?

Get an emergency appointment with a GP tomorrow, to try something other than metformin.

 

[Daibell]

You are having all of the symptoms I had when first diagnosed but fortunately Metformin SR does not cause me any problems. I have found that none of the tablets I'm on e.g. Metformin & Gliclazide have a great effect on by BG, but how I handle food and exercise does. Do keep the carbs low and low GI; spread them out during the day. Do have plenty of exercise if you can; this really drives my BG down. As others have said it's now up to your GP to offer alternative treatments. Good luck.

 

[gingercat]

Have you contacted your doctor and told him what your levels are running at? They are too high and you need some treatment if the Metformin isn't helping.
Maybe Gliclacide could help you but your doctor must decide if its appropriate.
Contact someone for an appointment or advice as soon as you can.
Angie

Hi Angie,

Thanks for your reply. I had a call from the surgery this morning and I am to go in on wednesday for an appointment with the diabetic nurse first and then my GP. I really do like my GP though and she didn't want to put me on anything else as I am a little on the fuller figure size Apparently some of the diabetic medicines are prone to weight gain. Maybe Gliclacide is one of those, but I must admit I don't know. Anyway thanks again for your advice

 

[gingercat]

Hi Gingercat,

Sorry to hear about your probs, just a thought on the Metformin. I had been prescribed "Metformin" SR by GP and for several months my Pharmacist gave me Bolymin, I got on fine with that, however, 2 prescriptions ago he suddenly changed it to giving me Metformin, the brand and I had tummy probs but persevered, my last prescription he again changed it to Metabet and I was so ill. I asked him why I had been given 2 different forms of Metformin recently and he more or less said hard luck it's the cheapest version of Met and it's all the same anyway, well, obviously it's not.When I compared the leaflet this dreadful version (in my opinion) of Met has 9, yes, 9 other ingredients including talc as well as the Metformin in it.
I created a fuss with my GP and I told him it's not fair to play these financial games with patients who think all forms of Met are the same and obviously are not.
He looked up prices in book and said Metabet is by far the cheapest form of Met therefore giving Pharmacist more **** profit. He said obviously the way this is made upsets me seriously but that if a GP prescribes Met a pharmicist can give any form of it they choose.
He has now changed my repeat prescription stating I must have Bolymin.
I know this doesn't suit everyone but am wondering if a different form of it may suit you better?

Take care
Chrissie

Hi Chrissie,
Your experience is terrible and disgusting. I mean 'talc'- I don't blame you for being angry I would too :evil: I know my GP prescribed codeine phosphate for me and the pharmacist gave me dihydrocodeine. I think they are the same but it annoyed me anyway as it was different to the usual box. I am seeing my GP on wed, hopefully she will give me something else :wink: I have never heard of Bolymin but I may look it up :mrgreen:

 

[gingercat]

Your doctor knows you have diabetes and need treatment, but has told you to stop taking metformin, and has not prescribed anything else instead? Sounds like you need to make a formal complaint to whoever you need to complain to about GPs.

There are many other types of tablet available for type 2 diabetes, a couple of different injectable treatments, and if none of those work (which I think is unlikely unless of course you have type 1 instead) there is insulin.

So don't worry if metformin doesn't work, there are alternatives.

With levels like yours, you need to check for ketones - do you have urine test strips for ketones?

Get an emergency appointment with a GP tomorrow, to try something other than metformin.

Hi HLW,
Thanks for your advice. I do have an appointment on wednesday with both the diabetic nurse and my GP. I have been told it is T2 and as far as I am aware, I have had symptoms similar to diabetes for years now..but I have only recently recalled that. A nurse at a previous practice noticed I had some red blotchy spots all over my arms (they continue to spread now - recently to my face) and tested me for diabetes there and then with a blood test, but nothing came of it. :?: I do have test strips but not done so recently..but will do I think, thanks again.

 

[gingercat]

You are having all of the symptoms I had when first diagnosed but fortunately Metformin SR does not cause me any problems. I have found that none of the tablets I'm on e.g. Metformin & Gliclazide have a great effect on by BG, but how I handle food and exercise does. Do keep the carbs low and low GI; spread them out during the day. Do have plenty of exercise if you can; this really drives my BG down. As others have said it's now up to your GP to offer alternative treatments. Good luck.

Hi Daibell,

Thanks for your reply. I have recently started monitoring the carb situation. I do have a limited diet anyway and the fact that I do not eat meat or fish limits it still. To be fair to my GP, she has already threaten that she will admit me to hospital if I keep pushing it..but I think she knows she can't. Or that I will keel over and then I won't be able to argue with anyone she told me recently. To be honest to myself, I am slowly getting worse. I am finding it more and more of a struggle now to do things. Anyway, thanks again. :?

 

[gingercat]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I have used test strips and they do show ++++ for glucose (which is normal for me), but what I haven't before are +for bilrubin and + for leucocytes (I have had trace to + for white blood cells).

But not sure what the significance of bilrubin is? So if anyone can, please let me know.

Thanksxx

:|

 

[Sid Bonkers]

Any advice? :?:

Tried metformin - became very tired like before and appeared to start episodes of regular dizziness...told doctor so put on Metformin slow release...no changes to above So off that now..but nothing given..blood sugars still reading between 21 mmol and tonight 27 mmol.

Hi gingercat, it sounds strange to me that your doc took you off metformin due to the above side effects which sound more like the side effects of high blood sugars to me (diabetes) 21 to 27mmol/L are extremely high levels, I was hospitalised on diagnosis with levels of 29mmol/L and put straight on insulin :shock:

Typically metformin will help to reduce blood glucose (bg) by between 1 and 2mmol/L it should also help to dull your appetite so can help with weight loss if you are overweight. What it wont do is reduce your bg levels down from 27mmol/L to safe levels, that will require a strict diet regime and or other medication.

I would think you need to see your doctor again urgently and ask for a referral to a specialist diabetic unit. As I said before 21/27mmol/L is very very high and your doctor should have started some form of treatment immediately IMHO.

Good luck with your next doc visit.

 

[jane22]

Hi Gingercat, good luck with your appointment on Wednesday. I was feeling like you too but am much better now my meds are sorted and I am once again in control. I take Metformin and have Glucophage SR. Glucophage is I believe the original medicine and all the others are copies and therefore cheaper. From the word go I had Glucophage SR and was ok with it but as soon as the pharmacist decided to give me the copies I had problems. I spoke to my nurse and now they specify the original on my prescription. My pharmacist doesn't like it because they are more expensive but they definately suit me better. You mention you have a weight problem. Research Byetta on the web and if you think it could be for you discuss it with your doc. It has been like a miracle for me. BG down within NICE limits and some weight loss.

 

[gingercat]

Thanks Sid and Jane for your replies.

Jane - I didn't realise that about metformin and the other anti-diabetics drugs.

Sid- I must admit I am getting weaker and more confused! So I will see what happens on wed. Today, for instance, my BG was 21.1 and after a light lunch, I know it will be higher when I test later.


Thanks again

 

[jane22]

Don't be despondant GC because I'm sure they will be able to help you. I had a really bad patch and felt dreadful although my BG's were in the teens so goodness knows how you must be feeling in the 20's. You do have to help yourself as well though and that isn't easy when you feel like you do. In addition to Metformin, Gliclazide and Byetta I have drastically changed my diet and eat far fewer carbs now. It has brought my Hba1c down from 10.5 to 6 and I do feel tons better. Ask your doc the pros and cons of all treatment available to you. I was offered insulin or Byetta and on the docs recommendation went for the Byetta. So far it's doing the job with my help. By the way I was referred to the hospital clinic for this help and it was the best thing possible.

 

[chrissieworne]

GRRRR !!!!
On my last post I said my GP has stated on my presciption that I must have Bolyman. Went in to Boots and one or two others who either said they didn't have it/never heard of it/couldn't get it or wouldn't get it as they have to give cheapest so was told in that case I would have to settle for Glucophage. Cheeky beggars said its prob anxiety.

Started the Glucophage and have terrible intestinal pain, trapped wind and bloating in gut, upper stomach, back etc and feel awful, still like that 4 days on. I can't sleep and Its only one 500mg a day with eve meal, I mean is it possible I can be so sensitive?? am worried now as I feel whats the point in GP stating a specific brand if the pharmacist won't honour it. I now feel I can't live like this and will have to stop the tabs.

Am seeing GP Thurs, what do you suggest?

Thanks Chris

 

[cugila]

If you are prescribed a named drug then a Pharmacist is duty bound to supply that drug. It is not the Pharmacist's place to refuse to supply or to change the Prescription.

Complain to whoever told you you couldn't have it and get straight on to your GP. Pharmacist's are governed by a Code of Conduct.

 

[chrissieworne]

Oh thanks,

they made me feel as though I am mentally unstable and yes it is true I am anxious when trying new meds as anything basically that can cause GI probs does with me in large helpings. !!! I have acid reflux and suffer form IBS occasionally, am on Ranitidine because the Omeprazole they tried caused horrific side effects gut wise. It is such a shame that all thes anti-diabetic meds seem to have the GI effects.

I will talk to my GP on Thurs. I will persevere with these in the meantime but am gulping down Buscopan and windcheaters to try to break up the gas, it is so painful.

I try to be positive but this is really getting me down and I feel peopel think its funny....gas..but its not funny at all when its this bad.

Thanks
Chris

 

[HLW]

Is it at night or all day that you have problems? With metformin SR, I had terrible bloating and stomach pain at night (lying down), if I ate too late. I had to make sure to leave enough time between eating and lying down, I didn't realise this for years. If it's not at night I doubt eating earlier would have an effect though!

My stomach was so swollen and hard I looked pregnant, when it was really bad, it's really not fun I know.

 

[chrissieworne]

Hi HLW

Well it comes on at any time but is way worse after meals as though the food gets "stuck" it starts in my ribs, back between shoulder blades and the moves further down and in to low in the belly. It is grippy, then achey, sharp pains then sometimes I can pass wind down below but not often, am constantly burping but that does not make me feel any better. Heat seems to soothe it but I lok pregnant, hard sore belly from below ribs and I honestly look full term prggers!

Pharmacist today suggested I try Motillium to get food through the digestion better as she says I may have some dysfunction there.

I just think it has to be the form of Met I have, I eat my evening meal early with hubby when he gets home from work, never later than 6.30pm and I don't go to bed before 11pm so it all has plenty of time to digest.

Thanks
Chrissie

 

[gingercat]

Why is your pharmacist not honouring the prescription? This is a crazy situation and a terrible one for you. I was always under the impression that the doctor was the prescriber..perhaps I was wrong :?:

I was given omeprazole by my gp because I am on a mixture a drugs for other conditions: epilim chromo for migraine prevention, citralopram for depression, codeine phosphate for mobility problems as well as inhalers: both prevention and relief inhalers. She thought all of those would contraindicate each other! But as soon as I took the omeprazole I was sick with indigestion all night , and strange headaches on one side of my head. I haven't taken another one since..and I told my gp what it did.

Today I visited both my diabetic nurse and gp. My diabetic nurse had a good chat and 'presuaded' me to try the metformin again as the effect it had on me would settle down. Well, I feel so ill now, my BG is still in the twenties, I feel like I could fall asleep where I stand or sit, constant thirst and very sore mouth. So I agreed. Well . tonight was first night taking the slow release one and I have to say it is already causing upset! So thank you to those who kindly advised me last week when I started this thread. I was certainly in a state of high anxiety.

But it isn't fair when you have to not only deal with diabetes but the drugs that are meant to help you, actually end up making you feel worse. Hope you are feeling better soon Chrissie and I would definately tell my gp if my pharmacist was doing something different. I know pharmacists know alot and their training is to a high medical standard, but I am an old-fashioned girl who would rather develop a mutual patient-doctor relationship and trust what my gp says over my local pharmacist, as nice and as friendly as my local one is!

Hey Chrissie, I would be interested in knowing how you get on, good luck. :wink:

I will also be back to this thread to let you know how my trial on metformin, part ll goes. :mrgreen: