Metformin

This is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting or changing any treatment. Information here is based on personal experiences and may not apply to everyone.

Metformin is sometimes used as an adjunct treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa, particularly in patients who have insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, or obesity. It helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgen levels, which can lessen inflammation and the frequency of HS flares. Studies suggest metformin may improve both metabolic health and skin symptoms over several months. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, so it’s best taken with food, and kidney function should be monitored periodically.

Treatment Type: Prescription Medication

Treatment Class: Biguanides

Treatment Modality: Oral

Review Summary

3.0

1 Reviews

Preferred by 0 Reviewers

Based on the review, Metformin appears to be a potentially helpful second-line or adjunct treatment for Hidradenitis suppurativa, particularly in patients with insulin resistance, obesity, or polycystic ovary syndrome. By improving insulin sensitivity and lowering androgen levels, it may help reduce the frequency and inflammation of HS flares.

This summary was generated by users' reviews

Breakdown by Category

Each categories are rated on a 1–5 scale, with 5 being the most favorable outcome and 1 being the least. These scores are averaged across all user reviews to provide a clear sense of how this treatment typically performs in each area.

Cost

5.0

1 = Very Expensive 5 = Very Affordable

5.0

Very Affordable

Relief Speed

2.0

1 = No Relief 5 = Immediate Relief

2.0

Slow Relief

Side Effects

4.0

1 = Intolerable Effect 5 = No Effect

4.0

Mild Effect

Treatment Line

3.0

1 = Third-line or more 5 = First-line

3.0

Second Line

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3.0

1 Reviews

100%

AI Summary of User Experiences

Not medical advice.

Reviews

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Cost

Very Expensive

$1000+

Expensive

$501 to $1000

Moderate Cost

$101 to $500

Affordable

$25 to $100

Very Affordable

$25

Relief Speed

No Relief

No noticeable improvement

Slow Relief

Several days to weeks

Moderate Relief

Within 1 - 3 days

Fast Relief

Within hours

Immediate Relief

Within minutes

Side Effect

Intolerable Side Effect

Caused treatment to stop or required hospitalization

Severe Side Effect

Difficult to tolerate, may require intervention

Moderate Side Effect

Noticeable, but manageable

Mild Side Effect

Minor, not bothersome

No Side Effect

Without any adverse effects

Treatment Line

Third-line or more

Used after second-line failed or multiple prior treatment

Second-line

Used after first-line treatment failed or was unsuitable

First-line

First treatment tried

Dr. Curbside

Verified

Physician • Emergency Medicine • How doctors think about decisions — and what real-world experiences add

1 month ago

Rated 3 stars

#VeryAffordable #SlowRelief #MildEffect #Second-line #Preventative

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