Metformin
 

Hello, All,
After reading so much clear and concise information about the benefits of Metformin and metastases, I am asking to go on it.
If you have taken it for this purpose, of stopping mets, please let me know how it worked for you.
Thanks
Karen

Re: Metformin
 

I would be interested to hear how this works for you. My husband has melanoma and has been on Metformin for diabetes. His checkups and scans have been excellent the past 18 months. These studies make me wonder if the Metformin is helping in that regards as well.

Best of luck!!!
Jeri

Re: Metformin
 

I'm on the Metformin trial. It's suppose to be double blinded but sneaky me sent on of the pills for testing as I wanted to be on it and not some placebo. The side effects are little to none and the perk is weight loss. The only thing I hate about being on it is the metallic taste everything has.

Re: Metformin
 

My friend is on the trial too (early stage bc) and has lost weight but no bad side effects so far.

Re: Metformin
 

KDR, gave you seen any data re networking with ER- / her2+ ? I seem to remember it mostly being of value in ER+.

I geeuss I'll have to summon the energy to google it:)

Re: Metformin
 

Chrisy,
I will have a discussion on Metformin with my oncologist tomorrow and find out the benefits and risks. I have seen a lot of promising data and articles on the suppression of metastases while on Metformin, but you are right, nothing HER2 specific, or if that matters. Answers tomorrow.
Hope you are well, my friend,
Karen

Quick edit: Yes, I did find quite a few articles specific to HER2+. Still, I will give you the decision after speaking with oncologist. A few cursory reads help with questions, etc.

Re: Metformin
 

I too had been led to believe the benefits were more associated with those who had some metabolic and hormonal issues to begin with but I don't think they know enough about it yet. Interested to hear about your discussion with the onc about it.

Re: Metformin
 

I'm about to ask my onc if he is willing to prescribe off label. Are there different strengths? What is used for breast cancer?

Thanks in advance

Jen

Re: Metformin
 

Report Back on Metformin:
Oncologist is not opposed to my taking it, but wants my GI/liver specialist to evaluate me as it could cause a drop in blood sugar (mine is normal). I would also have to do fingersticks to monitor blood levels frequently. She said while there is some promise in it, studies are still being done, and there is no definitive affirmation YET that it stops mets dead in its tracks. I'm seeing liver specialist the beginning of next month and will let you know what he says.
Think spring,
Karen

Re: Metformin
 

Thanks Karen,

Keep us posted on this, I had another onc suggest this to me as well although he did not know my history very well.

Re: Metformin
 

I'm on a trial that gives us 850mg twice a day. I think some people with diabetes get up to 1000mg twice a day.....I think