I've just been doing web searches, and surely I'm reading this wrong, but one article sounds like if it doesn't kill you there may be spontaneous recovery! Vast difference. I'm probably just reading it wrong.

Anyone? It's very rare, often fatal, according to what I've learned so far and Dr's should be careful about metformin and the elderly.

I cannot answer your question, but I am shocked at how frequently Metformin/Glucophage is prescribed, even for people who are not diabetic. I saw it advertised on the web as an "anti-aging supplement!"

These pharmaceutical companies are getting WAY out of hand. Anti-aging???? Puleeeez!!! Their premise is that all people develop insulin resistance when they reach their 50s and 60s and therefore will benefit by taking Metformin. OMG - this truly sickens me.

The bottom line is this - and I truly believe this to be true: The more you need a medication for its intended purpose, the more harm it will likely do to your body. For example, Metformin is likely more harmful to diabetics than non diabetics, especially in regard to the kidneys. I have found that this is true for many persrciption drugs.

I honestly believe that if there is a way to combat an illness without medication, then you will always be better off. I suspect that many T2 diabetics could control their glucose levels if they were educated and willing. I blame the medical industry though, because they more often do not educate properly and don't work closely enough with patients to help them. Doctors teach patients to rely on pills.

By the age you're talking about, many peoples' pancreas have completely worn out and they have to go on insulin shots.

One article I read about metformin said it was for kids and obese people, and that, if I remember correctly, about 68 of about 1800 people MAY get that lactic acidosis from a buildup of it. Several articles said 50% of those die! But if you don't have that much of a buildup, there might be spontaneous recovery. There's even a blood dialysis!

http://pharma-help.com/lactic-acidosis explains the diabetes thing.

I've run across the same info man. I'm searching for my dad.

He's on Metformin and says he feels like he's "a 5th of Jack Daniels into a bender." The only major side effect of Metformin I could find was Lactic Acidosis and a SHORT mentioning of B12 deficiency. He's only been on the meds for a couple of weeks, and the B12 info I read said it could take years to build up to a deficiency.

Any ideas guys? He's stubborn and won't call his clinic to see who's on call so I'm trying to get as much info as I can. Thanks, peace.

StevieRaveon,
Could your father be experiencing low blood glucose? That certainly feels weird. Is this a consistent feeling, or is it just sometimes? If only sometimes, have him test his blood sugar when he feels like that. If it's too low, he may be able to cut back on his medication (check with his doctor).

Ruth