icon-nav-help
Need Help

Submit your question to our team of health care professionals.

icon-nav-current-questions
Current Question

See what's on the mind of the community right now.

icon-conf-speakers-at-a-glance
Meet the Team

Learn more about our world-renowned team.

icon-nav-archives
CWD Answers Archives

Review the entire archive according to the date it was posted.

CWD_Answers_Icon
January 30, 2003

Other Social Issues, Pills for Diabetes

advertisement
Question from Lexington Kentucky, USA:

My 18 year old college friend, who has had type 2 diabetes for a little over a year, is taking Glucophage XR, and a few days ago I was using her bathroom and noticed that on the prescription bottle it says do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, but she has been drinking on the weekends. Is his going to cause her any harm? If so what can I tell about the reason is that she should not be drinking?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

I would respond to your friend in a way that says you know she should not be drinking while taking the Glucophage XR [metformin]. If you cannot get her to stop altogether, have her drink in moderation. There are some side effects that can occur, especially with moderate to severe drinking. She does not want to exchange one problem for another. The additional calories are not good for diabetes either.

JTL