Metformin

[JDinNC]

Is anyone taking Metformin ..and how much a day?

[steveincolorado]

I take a total of 2 grams daily (4, 500mg tablets) Two in the morning and two more in the evening. Haven't noticed any side effects or issues when I did the chemo.

Steve

[ANDRETEXAS]

I take two 500mg tablets daily.....and had no problem while I was on FOLFOX.

[Danieljt]

What is Metformin and what is it for. My husband as been sick since his 2nd chemo last Tue. And I don't know how to help him. He can't eat and has fits of nausea. I know it's part of the deal but I feel so helpless when he looks to me for help. We will stay positive until this is over with. One day at a time. It used to bug me when people said that to me, but now I believe it and say it all the times. Thanks for letting me vent. Jackie, wife of danieljt

[JDinNC]

While I was doing chemo, I was given a prescription of compazine 10mg.for nausea and vomiting. Your husband won't have an appetite, so don't force him to eat because the desire is just not there. I found that boost or ensure at least gave me the minerals I needed. Instant breakfast is a cheaper alternative...

My doctor put me on metformin to lower my glucose level, she read that during a cancer conference in Texas it was mentioned metformin could possibly help prevent cancer.

[midlifemom]

Jackie, please talk to your husbands doctor about his side effects. There are drugs that can control the nausea and vomiting.

[steveincolorado]

My Glucose levels surged when I started chemo due to a steroid that was administered for approximately 20 minutes each session. The steroid "Dexamethasone" caused my glucose levels to elevate to where I was seeing blood sugar numbers of 300 to 400 plus. The metformin along with other pills I take to control my glucose levels failed me ;-( and I ended up on insulin along with the pills.

Thanks for mentioning Metformin and possible colon cancer prevention. I'm now two years NED, maybe because I take Metformin? Who knows of course I've been on the Metformin for almost eight years and became infected with colon cancer.

Thanks

Steve

[weisssoccermom]

The study that you are referencing doesn't exactly indicate that Metformin prevents colon cancer. The theory is that some cancers, among them colon cancer, are caused by insulin resistance and the ensuing spikes/lows and inflammation that come with unstable blood glucosea levels. Metformin is a drug (Bev...this is your territory) that is given to diabetic patients to help control their blood sugar levels and help them remain more stable. It is NOT used instead of injected insulin for type 1 diabetics. The theory is that if patients can keep their blood glucose levels more constant, then all the other chain of events that could possibly occur won't. Now, that doesn't mean that one couldn't still get a recurrence or someone who is on Metformin couldn't be diagnosed with colon cancer because they certainly can. It is just another tool that doctors are willing to try. The drug has also been shown to aid in weight loss but......they aren't sure whether or not the weight loss benefit comes from keeping insulin levels more stable and/or the diarrhea which is common in the higher doses that are generally necessary. As both my onc an GP indicated, just putting someone on a low dose isn't necessarily going to 'protect' them. Higher doses that might, tend to bring gastro side effects. ...something I had when I tried it, and, to me just wasn't worth the effort.

[Bev G]

I'll try to say this in an easily understandable nutshell.

There is a MYTH that eating "sugar" promotes cancer growth, and it doesn't. All carbohydrates, whatever they are, are eventually converted into the "simple" (ie rapidly metabolized) sugars glucose and fructose in the body. It is the only molecules of sugars present in the blood. Some carbohydrates take longer to metabolize than others. Complex carbohydrates (i.e. bigger molecules) take longer to convert. When the blood glucose level rises it compels the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Sometimes it can't secrete enough, or sometimes the insulin secreted doesn't do a great job (ie insulin resistance) and VOILA: Type 2 diabetes.

There is a thought that the overproduction of insulin (which function like growth hormone in the body) might promote cancer growth, NOT sugar consumption, OVER PRODUCTION of insulin. Through a very complex set of stuff, Metformin reduces the amount of insulin that needs to be produced. Google it if you want too know why. There is a lot of study going on to see IF it might make sense to put cancer peeps on Metformin (even without diabetes) The jury, as far as I know, is still out on this.

Bev

[weisssoccermom]

Bev, I hope I didn't come across as saying that sugar feeds/causes cancer to grow because if that is how I typed it (on vacation - using my tablet) it is NOT what I meant. Both my docs have indicated that while there 'may' be a connection between Metformin and insuslin resistance or poor insulin metabolization, it is not conclusive as to whether or not the drug works. I know many breast cancer patients are put on it for the same reason....again, I think it is just a theory.

[Bev G]

Bev, I hope I didn't come across as saying that sugar feeds/causes cancer to grow because if that is how I typed it (on vacation - using my tablet) it is NOT what I meant. Both my docs have indicated that while there 'may' be a connection between Metformin and insuslin resistance or poor insulin metabolization, it is not conclusive as to whether or not the drug works. I know many breast cancer patients are put on it for the same reason....again, I think it is just a theory.

No Jaynee, you didn't at all, I didn't think. Metformin overcomes some of the effects of insulin resistance by how it works in the liver. Ashlee was on it for awhile and I was very happy about it. I really like the theory very much. Whether it actually works, I don't know. I should read a lot more about it.

Have a great vacation!

[steveincolorado]

Bev,

Thanks for the info.

Steve