Glucophage and liver damage ?'s

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2003
Glucophage and liver damage ?'s
4
Wed, 01-28-2004 - 1:21pm
Hey there!

I have been absent for a bit trying to find some answers and have uncovered yet more pieces of my medical puzzle.

A brief history: Hypoglycemia and taking glucophage XR for about 6 months. Endo has found a "goiter" or enlarged thyroid - tested negative for Hashimotos disease but hasn't ruled out hypo or hyperthyroiditis. NOW, she ran some blood work and lo and behold the liver enzymes are elevated. Her explanation was it is due to the glucophage XR. We repeat the test next month and if they are still elevated, I will discontinue the meds. Anyone else have this? I cannot find much on the web about the effects of the medication on the liver or if the damage is reversible. I'm trying desparately not to panic but it seems that in trying to correct one issue (hypoglycemia), I've discovered two more...it really is wearing on my spirit....thanks for the help!

Jennifer

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2004
Wed, 01-28-2004 - 5:24pm
Sorry to hear about that. I am also on Glucophage XR and I have not heard much about if it causes any sort of liver damage, but please keep us filled in on what you find out. Hugs.

TTUswtthng

Avatar for happyscrapper40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 01-28-2004 - 9:48pm
I am not a medical person, but I always assume any medication could potentially damage the organs of our body, especially the liver and kidneys that control the final removal of medication from our blood streams. Most physicians monitor us with blood tests every few months to keep abreast of any changes in liver functioning, etc. I was searching the web last night for side effects to Metformin, the generic equivilent of Glucophage. Have you read the patient information at the pharmaceutical company's site that makes Glucophage for the side effects? I don't recall reading anything about liver damage, but then I was mainly skimming the articles b/c I was interested in anything related to diarhea and metformin b/c I am experiencing intense episodes of it since they doubled my metformin daily dosage. I know I read several places that anyone with liver damage or impaired functioning should not take metformin b/c there is a potentially life-threatening side effect (acid ketosis or something like that)...it results in a fatality 50% of the time. It sounds like your doctor is on top of this situation. If I understand correctly Metformin (GLucophage) works in the liver to control? or reduce? the production of sugar in the liver. Keep in touch with your doctor!! MH
Avatar for coldfingers
Community Leader
Registered: 04-30-2000
Fri, 01-30-2004 - 12:23pm

Hi Jennifer!

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Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 01-30-2004 - 11:52pm

Jennifer,


Metformin or glucophage shouldn't do