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20 years
My doctor advised me insulin pills (SIOFOR) for me to get thinner..is it healthy? are there any side effects?
Jun 4, 2013

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Siofor is not insulin- it's metformin. It acts by decreasing blood sugar level by decreasing sugar production from the liver; it may also decrease sugar absorption in the es and increase response to insulin, hence aiding in weight loss. Use for enhancing weight loss is a known off-label use (that is, not the original use of this medication), and is usually used in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (they have cysts on their ovaries along with menstrual irregularities, obesity, and excess hair). It is effective but must not be used if you have kidney problems (because it's cleared in the kidneys). The main side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence.
You need to make kidney function test prior to initiation of therapy and then at least once per year while you're on metformin.
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