Q: I am a 30 years old woman who has been taking Glycomet 1 g twice a day. The doctor prescribed this as I have polycystic ovaries, irregular cycle and I am also obese. My weight is 84 kg. After taking Glycomet I have lost close to 5 kg in 2 months time. Can I continue taking this medicine? Please suggest.

A:Glycomet is the brand name; the name of the medicine is metformin (sold under other brand names also such as Glyciphage). Normally it is meant to control blood sugar in diabetes. However, it is known that in women suffering from PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease), there is an element of insulin resistance, which interferes in conceiving. Hence, Metformin is administered. You can continue taking the medicine. However the maximum dose allowed is 2g a day in diabetics (beyond that some serious, through rare side effects can occur). In PCOD patients 500 mg three times a day would be more appropriate.