Glucophage for PCOS

Do you have any PCOS patients on Glucophage? Do you think this is a good treatment for someone who took metformin but couldn't continue because of severe side effects? Melinda

The use of insulin-sensitizing or insulin-lowering medications offers new hope to women with PCOS. Metformin can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce hypoglycemic episodes, bring about weight loss and often result in pregnancy where traditional ovulation treatment had failed or was associated with severe complications. By six months of therapy, studies have shown that up to 90 percent of women treated with metformin 850mg twice daily will have ovulatory menstrual cycles. Unfortunately, 25 percent of women will not be able to tolerate the gastrointestinal side effects of this medication.

Glucophage (rosiglitazone) and Actos (pioglitazone) reduce insulin resistance. This means that the body will require less insulin to control blood sugar. Previous studies have shown that Rezulin (troglitazone) is an effective tool to manage insulin resistance associated with PCOS. However, Rezulin has been associated with deaths due to liver failure, and should no longer be considered a good choice for treating this condition. Rezulin is no longer available in USA. Glucophage and Actos, like Rezulin, stimulate the PPAR gamma receptor. Although these newer medications have not been shown to cause liver damage, the FDA recommends checking ALT levels (a liver function test) every other month to avoid potential problems should they be discovered in the future.