Stop Taking Metformin

Updated on March 30, 2011
R.M. asks from Tempe, AZ
5 answers

Hi. I've been on Metformin for a while and haven't seen any changes at all. I finally decided to quit taking the Metformin because I will soon be quitting my job and therefore losing my insurance. I called my dr. and told her that I won't be coming in or making any more appointments as well. I haven't been diagnosed with PCOS, but my cycles have been crazy for a long time.
My question is: What kind of side affects should I be expecting?
I tried looking up the medication and looked on my pill bottle. only side affects are for when you begin taking the medication.

Thank you

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So What Happened?

I'm not taking it for diabetic reasons, I was originally put on it to help regulate my cycle (not so sure about that now), but it still hasn't become a "normal cycle." So for this reason, I decided to stop taking it. I know it doesn't cost much, but is a hassle and my thinking is "why take it, if nothing is changing?" I have been on it for around a year and certainly long enough to where I should have seen some kind of change.
Thanks for the answers and concern about my insurance/job. I'm quitting work and going back to school full time. So excited :D

More Answers

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M.R.

answers from Boston on

I think the side effects will depend on what you are taking the Metformin for. Most people that I know are taking this for insulin resistance, diabetes, or a variation of metabolic syndrome where the body tends to be in an insulin resistant state of some kind. If this is what you are taking the drug for, then stopping it may not be a very good idea at all. Metformin is a great drug when used properly and in the right dosages. I am so sorry to hear that you are quitting your job and also losing your benefits. I hope that this is a decision that you really want and not one you were forced into. However, there are doctors out there that can work with the major drug companies to make sure that you can get your prescriptions for free or at a really reduced cost. Please talk to your doctor and ask for help before you stop taking a drug that you may really need. If it really isn't working and your symptoms have not improved or changed, talk to your doctor about that and make a new plan.

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L.M.

answers from New York on

Metformin is not an expensive drug. Perhaps you could continue taking it. Would it be possible to get a 90 day supply before your insurance runs out?

Metformin doesn't do anything to help your cycles. It is used to treat insulin resistance. You really should ask your doctor these questions. I would think you would experience weight gain and possible mood changes.

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B.S.

answers from Phoenix on

I have been taking Metformin for two years now to treat my diabetes. It is a generic drug that costs only $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply at Walmart. Don't stop taking this drug just because you are losing your insurance. The cost is negligible. Best Wishes.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

Are you trying to get pregnant? If not, perhaps you may wish to go on a very mild oral contraceptive to regulate your periods. Metformin, like others have said, is really a drug for insulin resistant/diabetic/obese patients and not to regulate cycles.

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J.F.

answers from Minneapolis on

I was on again off again with metformin for PCOS. I had no side effects when I went off. You know the side effects for going on already. :)

Using Metformin was the only way I was able to become pregnant, twice. It didn't really help regulate my cycle, but it helped my eggs release correctly (or whatever it really did) for me to have a better chance to conceive. I also took it when I breastfed both my girls. I would crave sugar and simple carbs to badly that I would think about getting a spoon full of sugar. Taking Met helped me curb those cravings and keep me from gaining too much weight WHILE breastfeeding. (I'm one of those people who gain weight while BF'ing.) Thought I'd put that out there so you if it ever happened to you, you would know a solution.

If you are trying to conceive, try to stay on it. Otherwise, go on the pill (if that is an option) to regulate your periods (and help with the cramps and bleeding).

Good luck with your job situation. Look into state medical assistance for insurance.

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