Metformin for PCOS

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

Metformin is in a drug class called biguanides. Metformin 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 Metformin is generally taken once daily with the last meal of the day.

Metformin comes in tablet and oral solution forms.

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

Rare but serious side effects listed for Metformin 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

Glucophage label (PDF) – Bristol-Myers Squibb
http://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_glucophage_...

Glumetza label (PDF) – FDA
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/l...

Glumetza – RxList
http://www.rxlist.com/glumetza-drug.htm

Riomet label (PDF) – FDA
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/l...

Riomet – RxList
http://www.rxlist.com/riomet-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...