 Lactic Acidosis
In May 2001 pcos was diagnosed, i was started on Glucophage and had minimal results, Feb of 2002 my doctor doubled my prescription without doing any new testing.
I developed allergic reactions, hives all over, within a week I had symptoms of LA; most noticably, breathing problems that led to me having breathing treatments three times a day, and a machine given for home treatments for four times a day. My doctor mysteriously disappeared from the practice and I fell into the hands of my childrens doctor and he immediately took me off of the glucophage. I was in and out of the hospital several times during a two week period of absolute hell. I had always had lung problems starting from being born premature with lungs not fully developed, collapsed lungs twice before I was five, and chronic bronchitis atleast twice every year, as well as asthma so when the breathing symptoms appeared to be progressing into something more I sort of swept it all under the rug as being caused by my past problems. Nothing could have been further from the truth.
The new doctor {my childrens regular care provider} explained the severity of LA while I sat there in a total fog of confusion and panic. A shut down of my organs was occuring, swelling, labored breathing, blood pressure increasing, kidney infections, a tremendous weakness and overall 'laziness', i did NOT want to leave my bed......in short I was prepared to make funeral arrangements because I was feeling that horrible from it all.
Bristol Myers Squib contacted me, having been notified of the reaction to the Glucophage by a concerned friend who works in the pharmaceutical field. It was more for their own information than to be of assistance to me, but they did 'reach out'.
I have not taken Glucophage since then, I have not had to have a breathing treatment since June. There are only slight abnormalities scattered through out my blood work ups now and a continued high blood pressure issue, things I can live with.
Please don't be foolish like I was and sweep things under the rug. | 
