Question:
Metformin post-op
I take Metformin for PCOS. Is it available in liquid form or can I crush it to take it? Anyone have an idea? — Billie R. (posted on July 22, 2008)
July 22, 2008
I was taking metformin twice daily. I am two weeks post op of a gastric
sleeve and stopped all diabetes medication. Unfortunately my BS have been
creeping up , 157 this AM. I decided to take one crushed up today to see
if that brings the BS down. GNC makes an excellent plastic pill crusher
that does a better job than I was able to do between two spoons.
— dgsilva
July 22, 2008
You're taking Metformin for PCOS not diabetes...correct? You could
probably stop taking it until you're able to swallow the pills again. If
you don't need it to regulate your blood sugars...and it's only used to get
your cycle regular....you should be fine to not take it for a few months.
You might not get a regular period, but you might not anyway after surgery.
I was on 1500mg prior to surgery....I stopped it with no issue and had my
surgery. I would get a late period for the first few months....and then
when my weight loss stalled a bit, I consulted my physician who recommend I
just take one 750mg XR Metformin (extended release) and low and behold...my
cycles were back on track and so was my weight loss. It's stalled
again....but I'm now 9 mos. post op and not exercising as much as I should
be. I'm kicking it up a notch though...and I'm hoping to reach my goal
weight by the years end. I don't think PCOS goes away completely with this
surgery.....but many of the symptoms do. You might just need a little
boost from the metformin, as opposed to your full dose that you're taking
now. I know the pills are huge...so you still may have to crush them
...yuck....but talk to your doctor or gynocologist to see what they say. I
can swallow mine, but for some reason they dissolve quick....so that might
be why it's easier to get those down. I'm thinking you'll do fine!
Hugs...Cheryl
— Cheryl K.
July 22, 2008
Wallgrens has Liquid Metformin
— nancycarle
July 22, 2008
It can be crushed and put on a spoon of yogurt or sugar free pudding to
take. Now, 8 months post op, I just cut them in half and take them. Much
easier. But in the beginning, I crushed them.
— Shirley D.
July 22, 2008
I have PCOS and took Metformin for 8 years before gastric bypass. I
prepared to go from extended release to regular so I could break it if I
had to, but I ended up stopping it after surgery and have done very well
without it. If my PCOS flares up at all I will go back on it.
— Fluffee
July 23, 2008
I take the liquid RioMet which is metformin. Tastes nasty, but you get
used to it. And the regular Metformin, gums up so bad when you crush it.
Leaves residue all over your mouth and you drink tons of water just to get
it out. And much of the metformin is Extended Release and that is a no no
for those who have had any sort of WLS.
I have been taking RioMet for the last year I have been post op from
LapBand. I get it at Wal-Mart or Walgreens and not get it by mail from my
insurance Aetna mail script plan.
Ask your doctor about it. Even for PCOS this would be a help to you. And
keep in mind that it is the evening dose that is key to managing the PCOS
symptoms and diabetes.
Ruby
— MzCruse
July 23, 2008
I should say I NOW get it from my mail in prescription program for three
months at a time. Really saves on the cost of meds. Good luck
— MzCruse
July 23, 2008
never crush or cut a medication without dr approval -- not all medications
can be cut or crushed -- this can cause an overdose or a reaction to you
not getting the full theraputic value of the medication -- talk to your dr
about a liquid form or a smaller pill --good luck
— RCassety
July 23, 2008
My doctor took me off of metformin a couple of days after surgery. However
if you get a mortor and pestel you can crush the pill, I have found that
adding Splenda to the crushed pills helps a whole lot, "a little bit
of sugar helps the medicine go down..." some of them taste really
nasty.
— KathieV
July 25, 2008
I take metformin 1000mg 3x's daily and i crush and have no problems.. My
husband also takes the same amt and no problems.. The surgeon also said
crush pills ALL pills from surgery day on. U can also ask ur phamacists if
the med can be crushed... Hope this helps... Dawn
— HelloKittyDawn
July 27, 2008
In regard to the posting regarding metformin extended release.... my
surgeon saw no issues with taking extended release formula for PCOS after
having WLS. I haven't had any issues with it.... and for PCOS... it's
really about alleviating symptoms that the weight loss can't relieve.
Blood sugar levels shouldn't be a major concern unless you're diabetic and
not eating right....and with working my local PCOS chapter, most taking
metformin are dealing with irregular cycles and infertility issues. If
it's hair growth and insulin resistance, you should see a marked
improvement following surgery and sticking with a low glycemic index type
of diet....which....with WLS.... you should be following something very
similar anyway. Just my 2 cents worth..smile.
Cheryl
— Cheryl K.
Click Here to Return