Fortamet (Metformin) for PCOS

Overview
Fortamet is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Fortamet is considered an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise. Fortamet is also referred to by its drug name, Metformin. In cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Fortamet is sometimes prescribed to combat insulin resistance and promote weight loss and regular menstruation cycles. Since Fortamet is not FDA-approved to treat PCOS, this usage may be considered “off-label.”

Fortamet is in a drug class called biguanides. Fortamet is believed to work by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and making the muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Fortamet is generally taken once daily with the last meal of the day.

Fortamet comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Fortamet lists common side effects including diarrhea, nausea, gas, stomach pain, and upset stomach.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Fortamet include lactic acidosis (when the tissues and blood become too acidic) and systemic allergic reaction.

For more details about this treatment, visit:
Fortamet label (PDF) – FDA
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/l...

Fortamet – RxList
http://www.rxlist.com/fortamet-drug.htm

Role of metformin in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome - Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC347...