Metformin versus Glucophage

taligator · 03-09-2007, 02:48 PM

I had read somewhere that some Doctors were switching patients off Met and putting them on Glucophage because it was more effective.

Has anyone else heard of this or had this done?

It isn't that I don't believe Met is doing its job for me but I'm wondering if Gluco is better then perhaps I should approach my Doctor about it.

Thanks.
Tracey

quizzicalxx · 03-09-2007, 03:23 PM

Tracey,

I switched from met to gluc. Here's my experience:

I had been taking glucophage for 2 years and when met came out, I was automatically given it, since it's the generic of glucophage. As soon as I took 500 mg of metformin, I was sick with nausea, etc. Since I realized that the nasty side effects started at the same time my prescription changed from gluc to met, I asked my doctor if I could switch back to the glucophage and she gave me a new prescription. As soon as I switched back, all the bad symptoms went away. I realize that they're supposed to be the same thing, but the doc thinks something in either the filler or the coating of the met caused the stomach problems. Since I can take the gluc, she said she's willing to write the prescription for "name brand only".

So, I guess the Met wasn't effective since I couldn't take it.

Deb

Kiko's_Bride · 03-09-2007, 03:58 PM

I switched from Met to GlucXR, primarily for the side effects. Met and gluc have the same active medication, but the inert ingredients can be different in generics, and it isn't always consistent depending on the manufacturer. I was having a lot of side effects with Met (persistent nausea, mostly) and it was just too hard to take it, so we switched to name brand extended release (at a lower dose), and it felt worlds better.

I'm not on either right now (not sure I need it since nursing seems to keep my hormones pretty normal for the moment), but if I do go back on it, I'll be asking for GlucXR.

taligator · 03-09-2007, 09:25 PM

Thanks for your input! I have the slight nausea most of the time but just deal with it.

I may ask my pharmacist if I can get the Gluco tonight when I go in to get my refill. I don't know if they'll do it without Doctor interference or not.

quizzicalxx · 03-10-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taligator

I may ask my pharmacist if I can get the Gluco tonight when I go in to get my refill. I don't know if they'll do it without Doctor interference or not.

My insurance requires that I use the generic unless my doc specifically prescribes the "name brand". You should know that Gluc is much more expensive. At my pharmacy, and with my insurance, Met costs $12 for a 3-month supply and Gluc costs $60 for the same amount.

Deb

taligator · 03-11-2007, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quizzicalxx

My insurance requires that I use the generic unless my doc specifically prescribes the "name brand". You should know that Gluc is much more expensive. At my pharmacy, and with my insurance, Met costs $12 for a 3-month supply and Gluc costs $60 for the same amount.

Deb

Thanks Deb - I did figure I'd have to pay more. I spoke with my pharmacist and my current prescription is $10/month and if I switched to the Glucophage it would be $86/month!

I couldn't believe how much more it cost! I think I know why people go to Mexico and buy drugs. :p

Thanks for all your input.

Kiko's_Bride · 03-12-2007, 10:47 AM

I think Met is now available in an extended release version, so that might also do the trick for you and be easier on the pocket book.

Hope you find something that works!