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Posted 10/30/2013 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
Is anyone taking this?

SE?

Mel
Posted 10/30/2013 8:49 AM (GMT 0)
For people like me that don't what it is:

"Metformin is used to treat people with type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications."

List of SE's-> www.drugs.com/sfx/metformin-side-effects.html
Posted 10/30/2013 9:21 AM (GMT 0)
I do 500 mg twice daily (less than a diabetic dose). My oncologist feels that evidence suggests that the drug has shown significant anti tumor capabilities.

Jim
Posted 10/30/2013 10:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mel,

I've been taking it going on three years now because I'm type 2 diabetes. However, last July, I started loosing weight (for health reasons), around Sept., cut down too only 1-500mg AM and PM (was taking 2-500mg am and pm). The past few weeks, been trying to loose some pounds because I've been on HT since last Oct., and gained it all back. This past few days, my BS has been below 100 so don't take any in the AM and most of the time, only 1 in PM.

Not sure if I experienced any SE, at least I didn't until I started on my HT!! and boy, let the race begin!! But very thankful for life.

Dave in Bartlett, TN
Posted 10/30/2013 11:11 AM (GMT 0)
After being on it (500mg twice daily) for 2 years, the only side effect is occasional diarrhea or looser bowel. When I first started it, I had bowel problems for a couple weeks, until my body made the adjustment to it. I had been taking 4 fiber pills a day and had to cut back to 2 daily, so you may see some of that. Otherwise, no side effects, I can't tell any difference in how I feel.
Posted 10/30/2013 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
Been on it for a year for the same reasons as Oncas. No apparent side effects.
Posted 10/30/2013 12:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info. Dr. Lam said the main SE would be diarrhea. I do not have diabetes. Dr. Lam mentioned it will helo combat weight gain, which is the major reason for the HT/heart disease connection, and he also mentioned (actually, I mentioned it and he agreed) the anti-cancer properties!

Mel

Posted 10/30/2013 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,
I've been on it since my June visit w/ Dr. Lam. No side effects But Lost at least 10-12 LBS. in 5 months!
Jim

BTW-- great numbers. Time to celebrate!
Posted 10/30/2013 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have diabetes. Talked a primary doctor into giving it to me. I take 500 mg per day. May have had constipation on 1000 per day.

Post Edited (robertC) : 10/30/2013 7:49:40 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/30/2013 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Robert:

Dr. Lam mentioned D, not C, as a SE.

Would not want C as I get that enough from time-to-time!

Mel

Posted 10/30/2013 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
Wamp:

Did you get my email?

Your email sent to me was missing a link regarding POMi-T

Mel

Posted 10/30/2013 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

I resent with INFO. Sorry, that's not my primary email account, YET. But when i retire next summer... :)

Wamp
Posted 10/30/2013 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
I also take metformin after my blood sugar reached prediabetes range (110).during HT.
5oomg 2 times daily.my last BS check was 88 No SE
Metformin+ avodart+ crestor+ pom-T during ADT VACATION.
So far so good.
Posted 10/30/2013 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
nenea:

How long have you been on HT vacation?

Mel

Posted 10/30/2013 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
We don't have a lot of data on Metformin as yet but the hype is out there and I think their on to something. I was asked by Matt Galsky at Mount Sinai too see if I could conjure up participation for a new trial on it and the survey is on the Infolink website but I never heard that I could post it here. But the gotcha that may stop it here is that you have to log in and provide personal information. If you look hard enough at the info link you'll see it in one of the post sassing if you'd like to help design the trial.

prostatecancerinfolink.net

It's a lengthy survey too. There are some trial with metformin but it's too early for any results and most of the trials are in combination therapies. Here's the trials I know about:

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=metformin+prostate&Search=Search

There were couple attempts to start a trial but it was not approved and they had to be withdrawn. But I think Galsky will get it going. But we are years from results. I do know that many doctors will prescribe it based on retrospective analysis but that's not the best way to assess effectiveness. But if you're on, and I was in your shoes with disease progression, I'd stay on it as long as it was not causing severe issues. But that's me.

Tony
Posted 10/31/2013 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
My husband was on this drug from the time it came out, he always was weight appropriate. He was diagnosed with diabetes in 2000. He went on metaforim at the tme glucophage (brand) and was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006. So as far as anti cancer properties, I have my doubts. As far as keeping the weight in control, it did do that, he actually lost weight, due to feeling nauseated while on it. He went off of it finally in 2010.
Posted 10/31/2013 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
Mel
I had my last 3-month shot in Nov.2012.That means almost 8 months.
I had one year of HT (MONO) combined with SRT.
Good luck.
Posted 10/31/2013 6:59 AM (GMT 0)

I've been taking Metformin due to the fact that I became insulin resistant whilst on HT.  My glucose levels are normal during the day but are elevated on waking and I've suffered from peripheral neuropathy for a couple of years now due to this.  I take 2000mg at night and apart from loose bowel movements I have no SE.

 

Does it keep PCa in check?  Who knows?  However, considering the grave prognosis,  I’ve been off HT for over two years, take Avodart, Metformin and supplements recommended by Myers.  I’ve got my testosterone back, lost 30lbs in fat, have a great love life and have had a steady PSA for the last 6 months of between 0.12-0.13.

 

I’ve never been happier! turn   

 

Paul

Posted 11/1/2013 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
As already mentioned, the main side effects are gastrointestinal and weight loss. Rarely, in patients with poor kidney function, metformin can cause lactic acidosis........very rare. I believe the evidence, so far, is compelling.

Paul
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