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Optimal Duration of Hormone Therapy
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: 4 hours ago | Replies (66)Comment receiving replies
@overage You do not want to recommend Metformin 850mg to your friends unless seeking constipation relief. Metformin IR has a 50%+ side effect of diarrhea (you must be in the lucky 50%). Metformin ER at 500mg has less than 10% diarrhea and is a first line drug for type 2 diabetes. It can also be taken anytime. Multiple 500mg pills are cheaper than other doses ER doses. The 500mg dose comes in both IR and ER forms; 850mg is only IR. As Marc mentioned, if the fasting glucose reading is high that should be followed with an A1c test that shows glucose levels over the past 60-90 days.
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@jim18 You will note that I wrote: “You might ask you doctor for the metformin prescription.” The doctor can inform him of any side effects and how to titrate into this drug.
I had one bowel movement with diarrhea after my first tablet of metformin 850mg. I then read the instructions on titrating of this drug. Then for 3 days I took one half a tablet (425mg) once a day with breakfast, then for the rest of the 30 day supply one tablet a day. In titrating up to two tablets I took one tablet at breakfast and one half tablet at dinner for 6 days. After that it was two tablets a day.
Extended release was not mentioned. The trial used 850mg tablets and that is what the oncologist followed. I am now paying about $55 for a 90 day supply with my senior discount. Changing to the ER tablets would increase my 90 day cost to about $135 to $160 for 1500mg or 2000mg per day.
I am preparing a response to Marc on why the A1C test may not be accurate for me. If interested look up something on the validity of the A1C with anemia.