MY STORY 

in

THE PCOS QUILT

http://www.obgyn.net/cfm/pcos.cfm?ID=6554

http://www.obgyn.net/cfm/pcos.story.popup.cfm?SortName=FirstName&ID=6554

"You look like me"  the owner of a lingerie business said to me in May...We sat and talked about PCOS...I kept checking off all the symptoms and things she mentioned....I went to her doctor, turned out we were the only two ladies he had with PCOS...My PCOS Journey began that day! 

My whole life, from age 5, i battled with severe oily hair, overweight, being dramatic, endless food cravings...Grammar school i was wearing a size 16, not many choices for big gals back then...This all carried into my teens...I now got acne that never left to this day...It moved from my face to my shoulders then back later in years though...The oily hair is still with me today, just not nearly as bad... 

1990 i decided to try Jenny Craig, it didn't work. I even tried Weight Watchers, which did nothing either...Then i created my own diet. Kinda a body builders one with high protein and complex carbs...It worked!  I dropped 60 lbs in 8 months and no-one knew me at my part time job, lol...The sad thing was i gained most of it back... I knew then i had a chemical/internal problem... This diet i refer to as my starvation diet... I refer back to it when i gain extra pounds and think about it if i want to eat goodies... I learned i wear what i eat in 2 weeks...My body has a 2 week turn around time...

My body ballooned up to a size 24-26... My body was too big for me... My 1st doctor's visit was interesting... I was sent for a battery of blood tests... I know my body inside and out now... My insulin level hit 26 one time (normally 22-24), i met my "Miracle Pill"...Glucophlage XR at 500mg a day...The food cravings disappeared 20 minutes after taking the 1st pill and i had to make myself eat... My fat melted off me!   I dropped 6 full dress sizes in 4 months and was still losing (size 14)... The pill's side effects were all pluses for me...Infact, hubby walked past me twice at the airport, he was shocked... Then months after that he didn't know it was me accept for being infront of our vehicle with my Rottweiler...

Do you have to stay on Glucophlage XR, YES... I went off it and gained 2-3 sizes back after 4 years...I am back on it and love the benefits... Honestly, i feel whole and grounded knowing my body is back on track and my emotions are in check... My oily skin is at bay, i hardly perspire now, i'm not spazing at hubby now...He loves the fact his wife is getting thin again ... My motto:  Knowledge is POWER!

My PCOS blog: http://pcoslady.blogdrive.com ...I just started it...

YOU know your body!

Know the symptoms and be aware of all the treatments...

Christie .... Knowledge is POWER!

Hello Everyone,

My goal is to enlighten and educate everyone i can on PCOS and all i post in my blog...I trust you think about the symptoms list on PCOS and pass it on to all the women you know...

My hopes are to show your boyfriends, husbands and parents that we are not at fault or nuts, but have a medical condition that needs treated...

Please post your comments here:

http://www.drscottrigden.com/?act=obesity&sub=metabolic

By Dr. Scott Rigden, MD

Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X)

What is it?

Metabolic Syndrome, a.k.a. Syndrome X, occurs in 24% of U.S. adults, or approximately 60-75 million Americans. It is usually associated with obesity. It is a condition that features the combination of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia (excessive or too much insulin), which has profound health implications. It is commonly associated with coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type 2.  These individuals often have lipid profiles in which they have elevated triglycerides with low HDL levels (their triglyceride/HDL ratios are usually over 4.) Their fasting insulin levels are above 8.

DO I HAVE METABOLIC SYNDROME?

Here are ten clues:

*  I cannot lose weight.
*  I tend to gain weight in the "apple" distribution.
*  I crave sugar and carbohydrates.
*  My energy levels are erratic.
*  I have a family history of diabetes.
*  I had a large baby (over nine pounds) and/or had gestational diabetes.
*  I have a history of polycystic ovaries.
*  I have non-European ancestry.
*  I have a tendency to hypertension and/or borderline blood sugars.
*  I have skin tags around my neck and upper body. 

The five clinical criteria doctors use to diagnose metabolic syndrome are listed below. If you have three of them, see your health provider for an in depth work-up.

FIVE CLINICAL CRITERIA OF METABOLIC SYNDROME

*  Elevated waist circumference (greater than 40 inches in males and 35 inches in females)
*  Triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dl
*  Decreased HDL (less than 40 mg/dl for men and below 50 mg/dl for females)
*  Blood pressure above 130/85
*  Fasting glucose above 110 mg/dl
 
 

FACTS...INFO...LINKS...FYI

FACTS:

*  2004 the AACE www.aace.com made PCOS a priority to doctors...
www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/PCOSpositionstatement.pdf  

*  PCOS is a syndrome... YOU only have to have 1 symptom to be diagnosed with it... Main ones are;  irregular menses, excessive male patterned hair growth, polycystic ovaries, unable to get pregnant...

*  Your body can not tolerate sugar or flour, therefore you wear it... Diets best for you are high in protein and complex carbs, snacks of protein...Another thing to always do is eat your carbs with protein to lose and maintain weight...

*  PCOS treatments are as individual as PCOS symptoms are in every woman... One treatment will never work for every woman!  * If one doesn't work try another or combinations of things*  (Most doctors do one thing and drop you, so it seems ... I hear this all the time) Important to join the lists at www.pcolist.org ...

*  Diabetic drugs have been proven by research to keep PCOS women from developing full blown Diabetes 2 !!! ... My case: My insulin level hit 26 one time in all my tests, my MD doc put me on Glucophlage XR 500 mg/daily...(my regular ranges are 22-24)

*  Metformin most likely will make you ill or feel ill (upset stomach, headaches, etc...) ... Doctors and pharmacies push and sneak this pill on you... REFUSE IT!!!   DEMAND the Metformin ER, extended release or Glucophlage XR...  I love Glucophlage XR, the side effects are pluses for me...

*  PCOS is not your fault... It is hereditary...

*  Being fat because of PCOS is not your fault!  ... You have a medical condition wreaking havoc through your whole body from the hormone imbalance...

*  Exercise and diet alone will not work!   Infact, you can starve yourself and maybe lose a few pounds, you can beat yourself exercizing and see minimal results... Why?  Your hormones are messed up!   *If a doctor tells you to exercise and diet, YOU NEED TO RUN FROM THAT DOCTOR!!!  They know nothing about PCOS! * 

*  KEY to being able to lose weight is your Serum Insulin Level... The level must be 11 or less inorder for you to lose weight.... IF 12 and higher, you will never lose weight... FYI:  The 1st 10-15 lbs is water weight...

*  PCOS women die at early ages, 40's through 60's... Research shows it and due to heart disease or cancer... Your life is at stake here!

*  Most women are misdiagnosed... Most diagnosed years ago with a thyroid disorder had PCOS and/or both...

*  YOU are not alone... PCOS is a silent epidemic affecting so many women that have it and don't know it!!!!!!   Pass the PCOS word on...

*  PCOS Ratio Factor - The ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle stimulating hormone (LH: FSH ratio, a measure of the health of the ovaries. Most pre-menopausal women have a ratio close to 1:1 with FSH values slightly greater than LH. The higher the LH: FSH ratio the greater the likelihood of PCOS. Levels of LH higher than FSH suggests PCOS. High FSH levels suggests the ovary is running out of eggs. Some doctors believe that an LH: FSH greater than 2:1 or 3:1 indicates PCOS.

*  PCOS is a silent epidemic... Most women have it and don't know it!  Pass the PCOS word on to every woman you know... You will be saving their life or that of someone you don't know...

*  Syndrome X is what men are diagnosed with... They may have symptoms like you minus the female specific ones...Men have to demand they get this diagnosis, why, like PCOS, doctors are naive to it... My case:  Hubby has alot of the same symptoms i do... He has yet to be diagnosed with Syndrome X... He can not lose the tummy fat regardless of what he does...

*  Gastric Bypass - Think twice!   Have your hormones tested first... Look at my Symptoms List... If you still have the surgery, there is no quarantee your PCOS will disappear!... Infact, you are warned not to have the surgery because it will screw your hormones up...

FYI:

*  YOU control your treaments with/or without your doctor... I say this because some women choose the natural way... Plus, due to most doctors not knowing much about PCOS, you have to know the treatments available for PCOS...You need to keep records, you know what works or doesn't... You will know your body from PCOS if you don't already...

*   My opinion:  I feel if a doctor does not work with you, does not know the numerous treatments for PCOS, does not listen to you, etc... (Your journey will encompass more, hopefully not) ... Then i take the stand i am being mistreated medically thereby being hurt by that doctor... That's against the medical oath every doctor takes!  Partial quote: "1st do no harm...."

*  PCOS research is ongoing... Symptoms are being added continuously... RLS - Restless Leg Syndrome was added abit ago... Rosacea was added before RLS...

LINKS:

www.PCOSCoach.com  ... PCOS Coach is an informative PCOS site with a newsletter, books she wrote, news and a few links...

www.SoulCyster.net  ... Soul Cysters is a huge PCOS forum, free to join and highly informative... 

www.PCOList.org  ... PCOS Association runs these email forum lists... 1st hand experiences... You ask questions and get honest answers...

I felt this is very important to know about... Doctors may not ever ask what other drugs you are on...

Read on:
http://www.drugs.com/metformin.html

Generic Name: metformin (met FOR min)
Brand Names: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Riomet

What is the most important information I should know about metformin?

Do not use metformin if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). Before taking metformin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history of heart disease.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin. Be sure the doctor knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar.

What is metformin?

Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.

Metformin is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Metformin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking metformin?

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have congestive heart failure. Older adults may also have a higher risk of developing lactic acidosis. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metformin, if you have kidney disease or kidney failure, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease; or
a history of heart disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use metformin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether metformin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take metformin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Metformin should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old. Extended-release metformin (Glucophage XR) should not be given to a child younger than 17 years old.

How should I take metformin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take metformin with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Some forms of metformin are taken only once daily with the evening meal. Follow your doctors instructions. Metformin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet (Glucophage XR). Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Your doctor may want you to stop taking metformin for a short time if any of these situations affect you.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:
hunger, headache, confusion, irritability;

drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors;
sweating, fast heartbeat;
seizure (convulsions); or
fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking metformin. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin. Be sure the doctor knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Store metformin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma. An overdose of metformin may cause a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking metformin?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking metformin. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of lactic acidosis while you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects of metformin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. Stop using metformin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling or rapid weight gain; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
headache or muscle pain;
weakness; or
mild nausesa, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect metformin?

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking metformin with other drugs that raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar include:

isoniazid;
diuretics (water pills);
steroids (prednisone and others);
phenothiazines (Compazine and others);
thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);
birth control pills and other hormones;
seizure medicines (Dilantin and others); and
diet pills, or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.

You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you are taking metformin with other drugs that lower blood sugar. Drugs that can lower blood sugar include:

some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol);
sulfa drugs (Bactrim and others);
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI);
beta-blockers (Tenormin and others); or
probenecid (Benemid).

Some medications may interact with metformin. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

furosemide (Lasix);
nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia);
cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac);
amiloride (Midamor) or triamterene (Dyrenium);
digoxin (Lanoxin);
morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, Oramorph);
procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl, Procanbid);
quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute);
trimethoprim (Proloprim, Primsol, Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra); or
vancomycin (Vancocin, Lyphocin).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take metformin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect metformin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about metformin written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Metformin is available with a prescription under the brand names Glucophage, Fortamet, and Riomet. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.07. Revision Date: 1/12/07 11:28:24 AM.
Add to my drug list

More Metformin resources:

Glucophage XR Extended-Release Tablets

Metformin

Riomet Solution

Metformin - Includes detailed dosage instructions.

metformin

Glucophage

Fortamet

Metformin

Metformin Drug Interactions

See also: Diabetes Mellitus Type II

I felt this is very important to know about Glucophage...

Please read:
http://www.drugs.com/glucophage.html

Glucophage

Generic Name: metformin (met FOR min)
Brand Names: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Riomet

What is the most important information I should know about Glucophage?

Do not use Glucophage if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). Before taking Glucophage, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history of heart disease.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking Glucophage. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking Glucophage. Be sure the doctor knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them, including hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar.

What is Glucophage?

Glucophage is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.

Glucophage is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Glucophage may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Glucophage?

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking Glucophage. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have congestive heart failure. Older adults may also have a higher risk of developing lactic acidosis. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Glucophage, if you have kidney disease or kidney failure, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease; or
a history of heart disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Glucophage, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Glucophage passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take Glucophage without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Glucophage should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old. Extended-release Glucophage (Glucophage XR) should not be given to a child younger than 17 years old.

How should I take Glucophage?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take Glucophage with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Some forms of metformin are taken only once daily with the evening meal. Follow your doctors instructions. Glucophage is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet (Glucophage XR). Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Your doctor may want you to stop taking Glucophage for a short time if any of these situations affect you.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:
hunger, headache, confusion, irritability;
drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors;
sweating, fast heartbeat;
seizure (convulsions); or
fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking Glucophage. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking Glucophage. Be sure the doctor knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Store Glucophage at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma. An overdose of Glucophage may cause a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Glucophage?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Glucophage. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of lactic acidosis while you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects of Glucophage?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. Stop using Glucophage and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling or rapid weight gain; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
headache or muscle pain;
weakness; or
mild nausesa, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Glucophage?

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking Glucophage with other drugs that raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar include:

isoniazid;
diuretics (water pills);
steroids (prednisone and others);
phenothiazines (Compazine and others);
thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);
birth control pills and other hormones;
seizure medicines (Dilantin and others); and
diet pills, or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.

You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you are taking Glucophage with other drugs that lower blood sugar. Drugs that can lower blood sugar include:

some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol);

sulfa drugs (Bactrim and others);
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI);
beta-blockers (Tenormin and others); or
probenecid (Benemid).

Some medications may interact with Glucophage. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

furosemide (Lasix);
nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia);
cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine (Zantac);
amiloride (Midamor) or triamterene (Dyrenium);
digoxin (Lanoxin);
morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, Oramorph);
procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl, Procanbid);
quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute);
trimethoprim (Proloprim, Primsol, Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra); or
vancomycin (Vancocin, Lyphocin).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take Glucophage, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Glucophage. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about Glucophage written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Metformin is available with a prescription under the brand names Glucophage, Fortamet, and Riomet. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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 Glucophage

 Glucophage XR Extended-Release Tablets

 Riomet Solution

 Glucophage - Includes detailed dosage instructions.

 Glucophage

 Glucophage

 Fortamet

 Metformin

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Glucophage Drug Interactions

See also: Diabetes Mellitus Type II

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http://www.pcostrategies.org/about.html#3

An Overview of Syndrome O and the Symptoms

Polycystic Ovaries and Syndrome O are metabolic and fertility problems that affects 6-10 million women in the US and millions of others worldwide.

Women with polycystic ovaries and Syndrome O commonly experience:

~ Infertility
~ Miscarriage
~ Unwanted Hair Growth
~ Irregular Menstruation
~ Insulin Resistanc
~ Difficulty Losing Weight
~ Depression
~ Low Self Esteem

Over the years, the clinical label Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has suggested a confusing primary disorder of the ovaries, both to women and their doctors. Syndrome O gets to the real heart of the problem - Ovarian Confusion and Ovulation disruption, caused primarily by Overnourishment and Overproduction of insulin. In reality, polycystic ovaries, infertility and other health problems are all consequences of Syndrome O.

Life Management - The link to polycystic ovaries and Syndrome O?

Many astute physicians believe that women's health and metabolism are closely linked, with overproduction of insulin the major culprit contributing to polycystic ovaries and Syndrome O. Other serious health conditions are closely related--type II diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. Scientific studies have shown that dedicated life management of nutrition, exercise, and stress can reverse, and even prevent these problems for women, including the insulin impact on reproductive function. PCOStrategies, Inc.â„¢ was developed to help all women touched by these concerns.

Why call it "Syndrome O"?

Over the years, the clinical label Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has suggested a confusing primary disorder of the ovaries, both to women and their doctors. Syndrome O gets to the real heart of the problem - Ovarian Confusion and Ovulation disruption, caused primarily by Overnourishment and Overproduction of insulin. In reality, polycystic ovaries, infertility and other health problems are all consequences of Syndrome O.

OTHER SITE:

http://www.obgyn.net/pcos/pcos.asp?page=/pcos/articles/pcostr_getting_pregnant