Why do Drs prescribe........

[soontobemrs]

Metformin for PCOS when it isn't licensed/approved????

[BartletForAmerica]

We use lots of tablets that aren't licensed. All it means that either full proper studies haven't been done (in the case of metformin, there's a load of research) or that the drug company hasn't gone to the regulatory authorities to have the license changed (because the evidence isn't convincing enough or because it would cost too much).

It is a very safe drug with no known problems in early pregnancy and it does improve insulin sensitivity, which appears to be the big problem in PCOS.

The actual role of metfomin in increasing live birth rate isn't clear though. This recent review didn't show that metformin increases the live birth rate. Some doctors, understandably though, feel, given the lack of side effects, that it is worth a go in such a difficult situation as infertility.