Riomet (Metformin) for PCOS

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

Riomet is in a drug class called biguanides. Riomet 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 Riomet is generally taken once or twice a day daily with meals.

Riomet comes as an oral solution.

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

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

For more details about this treatment, visit:
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...