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Super Contributor
Posts: 363
Registered: ‎03-11-2017

This may prove to be a huge problem for a lot of people. 

The agency is in the beginning stages of testing metformin,” reads an emailed statement from FDA spokesman Jeremy Kahn, per the Bloomberg report. “However, the agency has not confirmed if NDMA in metformin is above the acceptable daily intake (ADI) limit of 96 nanograms in the U.S.”

The statement emphasizes that no one should stop taking metformin without first talking to their doctor. If any contamination is eventually detected, it will most likely be possible to safely switch to another brand of metformin if your brand is recalled.

 

When this happened with Zantac they have still not started manufacturing it again.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,432
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Is Metformin next?

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I know people who are in renal faiure for taking metformin, or so they are told by their physicians.  I took my husband off it and his creatinine and BUN did begin to normalize.  I rather give him insulin than a drug that will, perhaps, destroy his kidneys.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,613
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

It has echos of Zantac, time will tell.  There are people with Type 2 and Metformin is beneficial to them.  I know I read somewhere that there are no other drugs for Type 2 that work like Metformin.  Yes, there are some kidney issues for some people but there are kidney issues with Type 2 too.  And circulatory problems, heart problem, vision problems.  Type 2 is bad disease that effects the entire body so if I had it and was unable to control my blood sugar by any other means, I take Metformin.  It would be a last resort medication.     

Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,219
Registered: ‎11-24-2013

Re: Is Metformin next?

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@Nonametoday @cozyseeker @chrystaltree  I'm 71 and have been on metformin for 20 years for type 2 diabetes with no problems.

 

About  a year ago my doc actually reduced my dosage!

 

I have been cancer free for 2.5 years and have regular blood work done.

 

My kidney and liver functions are doing great and not impaced by this med.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,613
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

@Love my grandkids 

 

That's how these things work.  There is no  "one size fits all" when it comes to medications or anything else in medicine.  There are patients like you who have taken it for years and it does it's job,  it controls their blood sugar.  They have had no complications.   That's most of the people who take Metformin.  However, there is a small percentage who have had serious complications from it, liver and kidney impairment. It's a risk, but the risk is very low so if I had type 2,  I would definitely take Metformin if I had to.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,219
Registered: ‎11-24-2013

@chrystaltree Got it (smile) !

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,219
Registered: ‎06-13-2010

@Love my grandkids Congratulations on being cancer free for 2.5 years, and positive lab values! Such a blessing.

 

 

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,739
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

They never stopped manufacturing zantac/ranitidine. I take it everyday. I talked to my Dr and pharmacist..they destroyed the questionable lot number

 

My Dr told me that food we eat have more nitrates than Zantac and gave his partients a handbill about this drug...I have taken  metformin for years ,and it has been on the market for decades. If it caused cancer millions of people would have gotten it by now

 

These types of statements only scare people who rely on this type of medicine for their health and well being

 

 

If in doubt talk to your Dr ,and you pharmacist, they will tell you the true facts. Don't stop taking a med ,because you hear something about it from someone. Go to those in the know and ask

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,458
Registered: ‎06-10-2015

I believe metformin is considered standard of care and first-line treatment both in T2 diabetes and prophylactically, in pre-diabetes. It's a shame that everyone who needs treatment can't take this drug, because it does work well. If someone has a bad reaction to it, another drug is tried, I believe. There are plenty. Getting sugars under control if you have diabetes is critical to long-term health.

 

I posted to point out that metformin is first-line, not last-resort treatment.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,739
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

It is @noodleann  and I wish I could still take it. It is really hard on certain peoples stomach and I happen to be one of them..