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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Taking Glumetza Safer Than Metformin For PCOS?

Hi, I have PCOS and Insulin Resistance. My endo put me on Metformin ER, but the side effects have been terrible (nausea & constant diarrhea), and I have been eating low GI foods. So she just switched me to Glumetza 1x/day.My worst PCOS symptom is hair loss, I have lost tremendous hair. I have noticed that my hair loss increased while on Metformin ER, so will Glumetza likely have the same side effect? My endo told me Glumetza has fewer side effects, but I believe she was referring to the GI issues. Also, is there an alternative to Glumetza, if I cannot take this? My A1C is good (4.9). My IR was 37, which is why she put me on an insulin sensitizer.Thank you :)
Wed, 27 May 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi
Thanks for your query.
I appreciate your concern for the safety of Glmetza.

Glumetza and metformin ER are exactly the same drug, Glumetza is just the brand version rather than a generic.
There is no difference between the two when it comes to their action in reducing the Insulin resistance and hence HbA1C.

The only difference is that Metformin ER has a coating that makes it an extended release and prolonged action.

From the safety point of view like Metformin, Glumetza can also cause stomach upset, cramps or diarrhea but with less intensity as compared to Metformin.

Hair loss is not a recognized side effect of Metformin, it is due to the hormonal imbalance in PCOS that may be responsible.

Glyburide is another alternate drug that can be used in PCOS, however its use is associated with weight gain.

I advise you to discuss about the possibilities of the side effects of Glumetza, proper evaluation for the hair fall and its treatment and use any alternate drug like Clomiphene for the ovulation.

Hope this answers your query.
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Is Taking Glumetza Safer Than Metformin For PCOS?

Hi Thanks for your query. I appreciate your concern for the safety of Glmetza. Glumetza and metformin ER are exactly the same drug, Glumetza is just the brand version rather than a generic. There is no difference between the two when it comes to their action in reducing the Insulin resistance and hence HbA1C. The only difference is that Metformin ER has a coating that makes it an extended release and prolonged action. From the safety point of view like Metformin, Glumetza can also cause stomach upset, cramps or diarrhea but with less intensity as compared to Metformin. Hair loss is not a recognized side effect of Metformin, it is due to the hormonal imbalance in PCOS that may be responsible. Glyburide is another alternate drug that can be used in PCOS, however its use is associated with weight gain. I advise you to discuss about the possibilities of the side effects of Glumetza, proper evaluation for the hair fall and its treatment and use any alternate drug like Clomiphene for the ovulation. Hope this answers your query.