Metformin in NZ?

Glenys · 09-04-2006, 09:52 AM

Hi, I'm originally from NZ but have been living in UK for last 9 years.

I was diagnosed with PCOS in NZ by scan about 2 years before coming over here and controled the symptoms with Diane. About 3 years ago my husband & I decided we wanted to start a family so I stopped the Diane and all the symptoms came back. I keep fairly fit so the weight didn't balloon so I'm grateful for that but the facial hair was quite bad.

I went to a local gynaecologist who told me that because I was ovulating on Clomid I couldn't have PCOS (??!!!) but he wouldn't do a scan to confirm that. After 3 years unsuccessfuly trying we went to a fertility clinic and I had another scan which confirmed what the NZ doctors found that I DO have PCOS (but not severe - more on one ovary than the other) and they are prescribing me Metformin (which my local doctor wouldn't prescribe as she wasn't convinced of it's safety if I actually got pregnant).

I am going back to NZ for 3 months in about 7 weeks but will only be able to take one months Met with me. Is it easy to get Met in NZ from the GP and how much does it cost please?

locagirl · 09-06-2006, 05:47 AM

I don't know much about Metformin as its not something I've been prescribed (and I don't know anyone who does)

My endo works at:
http://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/
Perhaps there's an info email or something there where someone could give you an answer?

gg · 09-14-2006, 09:27 AM

When I used to be on it, it cost around $15.00 and that gave me a 3 month supply. As long as you bring some type of paper work from your Dr over there I can't see there being any problems.

Good Luck!

Jeanette · 09-18-2006, 09:58 AM

I'm not sure how much BUT if you are planning on getting it here be aware its going to cost you for the visit, perscription fees and chemist fees.

Are you coming back to the area where u used 2 live? if u are it may be much easier to visit the GP that u used 2 use, you might want to ask your UK GP if there is something you can bring over that would make it easier 4 u 2 get a script

good luck

gg · 09-21-2006, 12:39 AM

Sounds like it would be much easier if you call the Centre & explain your heading overseas for 3 months and will run out of the Metformin before you get back. It's worth trying, and less hassle for you to get it over here.

Chilli · 09-21-2006, 12:51 AM

GP's do prescribe it as long as you have some sort of letter or something from your specialist saying you are on it for PCOS. It cost me $15 for 3 months supply aswell (I'm not on it at the moment cos I'm breastfeeding)
Like Ange said it would probably be easier if you can just take a supply over with you though? If not it should be fine for you to get it from a GP!

februarystar · 09-21-2006, 05:01 AM

Where in New Zealand are you heading back to? It may be worth asking on more local messageboards about doctors in that area who have PCOS knowledge and understanding.

I have a community services card so i get it on prescription for only $3 for 3 months supply but I understand its only up to about $20 for 3 months if you dont have the CSC.

Glenys · 09-22-2006, 09:29 AM

Thanks everyone!! I would take a supply with me but they will only give it to me one month at a time! From what you have said it sounds positive that if I take a letter from my doctor as I had planned that I should be able to keep going on it. Thanks again for your help.

Purple_monkfish · 10-18-2006, 04:35 AM

ONly one month at a time? bloody hell.. I have 6 months worth of the stuff scattered about the house. I love my gyno...

Nice to see you can get met without too much hassle in nz, it's something I hadn't thought about.. and we plan on moving back to my homecountry in the next few years