Hello,

I am new to this board and have been posting on the Femara board as I am taking that drug to TTC baby #2 (which unfortunately isn't working for me right now despite the fact that I had a BFP in 2004 with it and had my DS).

I have severe PCOS and have had it pretty much always had it. I do not have a problem however with insulin and blood sugar - I've had all that tested and it is fine even though I have PCOS. Even though I don't have blood sugar issues, my doctor did prescibe me Metformin but I truly cannot take that drug as it makes me SOOOO sick! I feel sick to my stomach all day and all night when I take it, and I take it always on a full stomach.

As a result I haven't been taking it but worry that perhaps this is why the Femara isn't working....

Help! What can I do?

Thanks for any words of wisdom.

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KimberlyBB#2
TTC BB#1 - 6 years-Finally in 2004
DS - 3 years old - Femara baby
Now TTC BB#2

I also have a severe case of PCOS and have absolutley no problems with my insulin or blood sugar. I had the same problem with the Metformin. I would be sick all day and night when I took it. Then the doctor talked me into taking the Metformin Slow Release. That was like a miracle, it was like I wasn't taking anything at all. You should see if that could work for you too.

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Thank you so much for your response!

Is that a different form of Metformin or is it just gradually taking the regular metformin and slowly increasing the doses????

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KimberlyBB#2
TTC BB#1 - 6 years-Finally in 2004
DS - 3 years old - Femara baby
Now TTC BB#2

its a different form of met. i think it just disolves slower in your body or something like that. It is a little more expensive but its worth taking a chance.

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The metformin XR is much easier. Also, if you start off slow - for example, if they want you to take 1500 mg, start with 500/day for a week. Take it at night with food. After 1-2 weeks, you should be able to adjust better, then you can add in ANOTHER 500 and do that for 1-2 weeks. Once you feel okay, go to the 1500 - by that point, you should be okay.

I've also heard some people having luck with Actos instead of metformin, but I don't know about those s/e. The metformin helps your body process insulin better, and is thought to be relevant for people with PCOS because even when your blood work comes back normal, the PCOS is thought to be a sign that your body doesn't process insulin well.

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Thank you so much ladies!!
I saw my doctor this morning and I mentioned this to her - she didn't know much about it and thought that perhaps it was in the States only (as I am in Canada). She called the pharmacy and they confirmed that it is available here - called Glumetza.
I am SO relieved and hope that this helps with the side effects. She also recommended starting out with 500 a night then go up to 1500.
Thank you SOOOOO much - I thought I was just going to have to due without Metformin and hope for the best but now I have an answer.
She also started me on injections today we'll see what happens!
I have another question - I read a few posts where ladies are staying on Metformin throughout pregnancy. Is that recommended and are there any risks to the baby?
Thanks so much.
Kim

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KimberlyBB#2
TTC BB#1 - 6 years-Finally in 2004
DS - 3 years old - Femara baby
Now TTC BB#2

I'm staying on it. There are so far no known risks to the fetus, and there are several studies that show it significantly reduces the risk of m/c (which can be as high as 65% for people with PCOS) and the risk of gestational diabetes.

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The only side effects I had when I started actos was a few headaches, after about a week they went away.

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So, I started it last night and today I feel no sickness whatsoever. OMG - I am soooo relieved!!!! I do definitely have headaches but not too bad and it could also be because I started my injections yesterday too.
I am so glad I posted my question here!!! Thanks again!
Kim

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KimberlyBB#2
TTC BB#1 - 6 years-Finally in 2004
DS - 3 years old - Femara baby
Now TTC BB#2

I'm so glad it worked for you. Good luck TTC!!

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Thanks again!

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KimberlyBB#2
TTC BB#1 - 6 years-Finally in 2004
DS - 3 years old - Femara baby
Now TTC BB#2