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christyz · 06-28-2004, 06:27 PM

There is no "black and white" answer for this one...the medical information is conflicting and although the manufacturer's suggest discontinuing it for any procedure involving dyes, it is a decision that varies greatly from Doctor to Doctor.

The info I have directly conflicts with yours: "X-ray dye Metformin should be stopped at the time of, or just prior to a procedure using X- ray dye containing iodine. The kidneys clear X-ray dye and rare cases of diminished kidney function have occurred because of the dye. Since the kidney clears metformin, it could cause a build-up of metformin and potentially increase the risk of lactic acidosis. The procedures that use iodinated dye include the hysterosalpingogram (HSG) in evaluation of infertility, intravenous pyleogram (VIP) often to exclude a kidney stone or evaluate the urinary tract for recurrent infection and abnormalities, evaluation for gall bladder disease (cholangiogram), and tests to evaluate for blood clots, coronary artery function (angiogram), and CT / MRI scans. Metformin can be safely started in 48 hours if there have been no problems with the procedures.

Surgery The same rationale for withholding metformin before procedures using X-ray dye can be said for surgery. Metformin should be discontinued until a regular diet and fluid intake has resumed."

So women need to speak directly with their physician to determine what course of action to take before a procedure. Some Dr's are more careful than others, and are more particular about this issue than others.

Thanks for posting, Meme! Good Luck with that HSG..I had one 4.5 years ago and a month later I was pregnant!