PCOS And Ending Medication

D.,

I have taken both Glu. and Met. When I made the switch to the generic, I experienced no problems. I am currently not taking either, but this was on doctor's orders and after significant weight loss. I do not suggest stopping the meds without talking to your doctor. While taking this med, I was warned to do so very consistetly.

Metformin, which I had a great experience with, is part of Walmart's $4.00 a month perscription list. Regardless of your insurance plan, or lack thereof, it is only $4.00 a month. Here are the strengths it is available in:

Metformin
500mg tab
60
180
Metformin 850mg tab
60
180
Metformin 1000mg tab*
60
180
Metformin ER 500mg tab*
60
180

If you are currently taking a different dosage, you could talk to your doctor to see if one of these dosages would also work for you. Based on my experiences, I would suggest going the generic route rather than stopping the med altogether. I hope that helps, and best of luck!

I went off insulin was on it for years. I did not do well with Glucophage but am now responding well to Metformin which by the way is generic for the other and is only $4 at Kroger and Walmart. I would say find out if your dr can give you or swirch you to the generics available at Kroger or Walmart , Target is another place that does $4 per script.
I honestly should not be here. I too fell into a crisis with money issues. We lost our home of 20 plus years it happened to be the house I grew up in too. We had bought it from my parents. Long story kinda short. I went off insulin and was off for about 2 yrs. Just could no longer afford needles, lancets, insulin, and test strips. Well I have paid big time. Iast year on Sept. 25th I was admitted to the hospital my sugars were 700 (could not be read by the machine), They kept me because I was having a heart attack and had to have emergency by pass surgery the only problem was with the sugars that high I was going to have major problems. Well the sugars spiked at 1000 before they started to come down. I was critical. I should have went into a copma from the sugar. I did not. I should have died. I have been told by everyone of my drs that is so. Either the heart attack should have got me or the sugar. I now take about 13 meds per day most twice a day. I get most of them from Kroger snd the rest I get at University Hospital here in Cincinnati. My income is nil. I get $115 per month from the Job and Family services and we get $315 a month for food. We live rent free by taking care of the house and the dog who lives here. Family members help us when they can and so do friends and total strangers. I am now going blind and while there is surgery that can correct the problems my discounts will not completely cover it. I also am having issues where I can't stand on my own and am falling. I have depression, constant pain in the legs and head. So if at all possible try to find a social agency that can help better to stay on them than go through what I went through. Pain after the quad by pass was worse than labor. I would not want my worse enemy to go through what I have been through this year. My PCP doesn't usually charge me a dime and gives me loads of free meds. Goodluck with everything. Want more info about who I see? Are you in the Cincinnati Area/ Hamilton County?

You will be amazed to hear that the generic form of glucophage works better on some patients than the brand name itself. You don't have to suffer. I used to be like you and never wanted to try the generic. After some financial problems I started taking metformin and it works great. Your sugar will go up. Remember, untreated PCOS can lead to type 2 diabetes. Seek medical advise before you get off any medication. Nothing is impossible, getting off the medication 100% can be done, however you need to becareful with your glucose and insulin levels. Try metformin it does a great job and cost less. When life gets better you switch back. Good Luck

I took Glucophage for 3 1/2 years due to PCOS to help me get pregnant. They recommended I stay on it during pregnancy and I did for a while after delivery but then chose to stop the medication since my main goal was to conceive. I did not have any problem just stopping the medication. I may have gained some weight but not sure if that had to do with stopping the medication or the end of breastfeeding. I'd talk to the doctor, at least a phone call before stopping.

Dear D.,

I'm sorry to hear bout your financial situation right now. My husband and I have had a rough time for the past year or so, and I understand.

I would recommend seeing an integrative M.D. who can help you get off the prescription medications and make some changes in diet, supplements, exercise and lifestyle to improve things for you.

I went to a wonderful integrative M.D. last February, and following her plan has made a huge positive difference in my life. If you can get to Columbus on a Thursday (she sees new patients on Thursdays), I highly recommend her. Please e-mail me or contact me through our mamasource mail if you want my doctor's contact information.

What symptoms do you have?
I was diagnosed with PCOS while trying to conceive but the Dr did NOT continue treatment after that. I took birth control pills but took myself off those due to migraine headaches. Now my wieght is creeping up and my cycles include cramps and tiredness. Did the medications address these?

I love being "Momma" of a 6yr old boy and 4yr old girl. I am also a teacher.

Hi D.,
Metformin is identical to the name brand and they are very reasonably priced.I take 2 500 mg. tablets a day, my cost $11.46 per month.I had the non generic for a while but have had no difference in the way it effects me. No side effects at all.

Hi D.,
I don't take any of these but I agree with the ladies who said not to stop without consulting your doctor and to check out the $4 generic programs. Giant Eagle has it in northeast Ohio, too. You didn't say where you are located, but in Cleveland OH there is something called Metro Health Ministry (I think that's it, my Mom has told me about it). It is for people like you, who are working but still need help with health care costs. If you are not in Cleveland, maybe there is something where you live. Good luck!

K. Z.