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.




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