Getting Metformin from GP?

Ashloiree · 02-01-2007, 04:35 PM

Here's the situation, I was prescribed Metformin by a endo in Peterborough early last year. Due to bad side effects, I never took it for more than a month at a time.

I've since moved to Ottawa and decided to stay here. I have not gotten a new doctor due to a combination of procrastination and fear, as it is impossible to get a doctor in Peterborough and I didn't want to give mine up until I knew there was no chance I'd be moving back.

Well, I've decided I'm not going back, and now my supply of Metformin is dwindling. It will more than likely run out before I would be able to get a new GP and get to see another endo in Ottawa.

There's a 3-4 month waiting period to see the endo in Peterborough so that isn't an option. Which has led me to wonder if GPs can/do prescribe Metformin? I know the Metformin is prescribed to diabetics, but not sure whether that's left to endos or not.

Any info/advice would be appreciated. Also, my GP doesn't really take phone calls so it's not just a matter of picking up the phone and calling, it would involve making an appointment and going to Peterborough just to find this out.

PS I know this might be moved to the Metformin forum, but I decided to post it here as the medical system in the US is different in some ways and I'm not sure if this would fall into one of those areas.

Julius · 02-01-2007, 05:47 PM

Hmm, I'm not sure about GPs prescribing Met as I've never had it or had it prescribed.

I will say though that if you're staying in Ottawa, try to find a GP soon! It's really hard to find ones who are accepting new patients. I've been on multiple waiting lists for years ... with no luck yet.

Good luck!

hope73 · 02-01-2007, 06:25 PM

Hi Ashloiree

I'm in Newfoundland and my GP prescribed Met to me.
She told me she could do this because it does not need monthly and intense follow up such as the other fertility meds. She gave me a year prescription.

Are you able to contact your current Dr for them to call a pharmacy near you with a prescription to tie you over till you get a new Dr?

Let me know how you make out.

Good Luck!!

Fuzzy Bear · 02-01-2007, 08:59 PM

Hi, I'm in Toronto and my GP prescribed me Metformin.
I found my new Dr. at our neighbourhood clinic, and she's great.
I don't know about Ottawa, but Toronto has walk-in clinics that serve as a
multi doctor GP office. Most of them seem to expect you to just take which ever doctor is available, but this one lets you call specifically her so I know she Knows my file. I can make specific appt. times too, so I'm not 'in line'.
Do you have the site for doctors in Ontario that are taking new patients? It's
http://www.cpso.on.ca/Doctor_Search/dr_srch_hm.htm
and you can put in the particulars and it will tell you names and places as well as whether or not they are still taking new patients.
I have found, however, that doctors say that, but take referrals from doctors still. Maybe it's only friends?

Anyways, I hope this helps you find a doctor. If you tell them that you are running out of Met, I'm sure they'll figure out a way for you to get some.
Pharmacists can be very knowledgeable about what doctors are around and what they specialize in; you might want to ask there.
HTH & Good Luck! I hope you find a good one, first try!
Fuzzy Bear

BeetleGirl · 02-01-2007, 10:12 PM

I originally had a general practitioner at a walk in clinic prescribe me Met years ago. I just brought in research about Met and he knew I had PCOS so he agreed to prescribe it.
Good luck!