How to use METFORMIN for DIABETES including doses, side effects & more! (Glucophage / Fortamet)

In this video Doctor O'Donovan explains key facts you need to know about a medication called METFORMIN used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as Glucophage, Fortamet, Axpinet, Diagemet, Glucient, Metabet).

In the video we cover:

What is metformin? (0.36)
Who can and can't take it? (1.34)
How to take it (2.36)
Side effects (4.49)
Use in pregnancy (7.40)
Interactions (8.15)

Key facts
- Not everyone gets diabetes symptoms, so taking metformin may not make you feel any different. That does not mean it is not working, so keep on taking it.

- It's best to take metformin with a meal to reduce the side effects.
The most common side effects are feeling and being sick, diarrhoea, stomach ache and loss of appetite. Vitamin B12 deficiency is also a common side effect of taking metformin in higher doses or for long periods.

- Metformin does not cause weight gain, unlike some other diabetes medicines.

- If you have diabetes, you can get free prescriptions for all of your medicines, not just your diabetes ones. You'll need to have a medical exemption certificate.

Further information via NHS website:

Patient information leaflet:

#doctor #diabetes #medication #pharmacy
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Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

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[bethfraser]

My dr. wanted me to take the Metf. I didn't want to - instead through nutrition and exercise I lowered my A1C on my own. In 4 months, I'm now at 5.8 and am working to reduce to 5.0%. WTH are dr.s so quick to get their patients on drugs instead of looking at the root cause and reversing diabetes. As a patient this is so frustrating. It's like all I am is a # now and all the Dr. is is a pharmacy. Never once was I told that I can reverse the disease. I had to educate myself and figure things out on my own. WTH kind of medical system do we have now? Very frustrating!

[Angela-zudh]

I’m 69, and just got diagnosed type 2 this week. Obviously I’ve been diabetic a while as my A1c is 10.1. Endocrinologist put me on Metformin and Glipizide twice a day. I take Metformin with meals. So far no side effects. I was scared to take it but the meds have taken my blood sugar way down. I’ve heard bad things about Metformin. I don’t want insulin so I’m sticking to the meds.

[estherlyncelestinocardenas]

im using metformin for 27 yrs now 1000m 3x a day and thanks god i dont have problem

[angelafariscal]

My doctor prescribed metformin 500 ml and I’m pre diabetic.I do not use it everyday since fasting helps me to lower my sugar.i exercise after meal and I changed my diet to pre plant based.Food portion is very important I lost weight and cut on carbs and sugar. Although I crave for sweets I choose the diabetes friendly choice.

[desiregonzales]

I know you said it wasn't all inclusive but I have IBS and it became literal AGONY to be on metformin including passing out from the pain. I think that's something to be mentioned.

[bozca]

hello, i am 30 years old. My insulin resistance is gone. In my blood test, the glucose value was 113. My father and brother are diabetic. I've been using metformin 500mg for 2 weeks, the doctor suggested diet and exercise, but I said I wanted to use this drug because my doctor suggested this to me and now I'm wondering if I'm using metformin for 1 year, will it harm my kidneys?

[DonnaFerguson-msxr]

I don't use metformin nor do I have to check my sugar level thank you and I am very grateful for that

[jucxox]

I am taking metformin and NORETHINDRONE. It would have been nice to have more info on this and bc. I’m on YouTube because my doctor prescribed me both but gave little to no further info and I am teaching myself.

[mugabemathias]

I just got to stop metformin because of severe feet pain . now am only strictly no carbs, take plenty of fruits./fluids and exercise.feel Abit better.

[richardbeverley]

My concern is that I am being treated for my B12 decline and I am on 4 x 500 metformin. I am still suffering from tiredness even after 6 B12 injections.

[aurenitapedrazzi]

The urge to go to the restroom improves as you improve your diet and amount of food you eat. When you start taking it, it can be caos, after 2 months everything felt in place for me 😂

[uneek]

I'm 38 pre diabetic. I've been prescribed 1000m 2x a day by my doctor. When i take metformin i feel very nausea and wanting vomit. Similar feeling to after a long run or High intensity workout. I told my doctor this and she told me that's normal symptoms. But yesterday i almost passed out at work.

[yashawantkumar]

Metformin and glimpride take before meals or after meals...?

[anawag]

For type 2 diabetes which can be controlled with lifestyle there’s no need for metformin. Keto diet plus fasting plus exercise is enough. I brought my insulin levels under control with this. The doctor was going to put me on medication for high triglycerides without giving any of these suggestions

[blue]

Very informative. Is it safe for a normal/prediabetic person? Is a doctor's prescription necessary?

[satishbabu]

Before food or after food or along with food should we take metformin

[garethdrain]

Works well for me. Can't understand why it gets slated. Are you taking it? Would you take it.? Don't have thease problems yet. You just give scary advice. I take more than that I'm still alive.

[StephenDofelmier]

Very informative video. My doctor wasn’t very helpful in explaining the illness ( didn’t feel sick) or what options there are in treatment. I chose initially to control diet but numbers stayed high. I then added small dosage of metformin along with diet and my numbers came down to normal ranges. It’s been a year now and my numbers are stable. I get an A1c every 6 months to monitor my glucose levels. 10:19

[sanchezday]

I started metformin for 2 days and I was having muscle weakness and joint pain I stopped.

[garygjl]

explain the effect5 of Metformin on ribosomes.