4 ms·

Slightly off topic: Has anyone made an exhaustive table that contains prescription drugs on one side, and their supplement equivalent(s) on the other side, whe

Slightly off topic: Has anyone made an exhaustive table that contains prescription drugs on one side, and their supplement equivalent(s) on the other side, where applicable? For example, I am using Berberine (supplement) [1] instead of Metformin (prescription). In this case, the supplement may be superior to the prescription. I would love to find the equivalent to my blood pressure drug losartan potassium (an orally active, nonpeptide angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonist.) [1] - https://examine.com/supplements/berberine/?PageSpeed=noscript https://examine.com/supplements/berberine/?PageSpeed=noscrip...

PaulHoule 8y ago
Berberine might be the only one.
dnautics 8y ago
Berberine is not the same molecule as metformin at all. One is a polycyclic antibiotic and the other is a polyimide glucose Suppressor. Whoever told you they are "equivalent" is crazy.
- LinuxBender 8y ago
  In fact, Berberine is a glucose suppressor as well. The link I provided links to several studies on the effects on glucose. In fact, I had to reduce the recommended dosage as I was going hypoglycemic (I already cut out all sugar).
  - dnautics 8y ago
    I'm aware... I take an extract containing berberine as well, but they aren't exact substitutes at all, and to claim so is dangerous. Other people might have interactions.
    - LinuxBender 8y ago
      Certainly, people should review anything they plan on taking with their doctor. Berberine is well tested (about 3000 years of medical use). It wasn't until the last decade or so they found it had the same use as Metformin. Apparently metabolic syndrome is less of an issue in China? They mostly used it for gut infections and as a clothing dye. The most common interaction id diarrhea and cramping from diarrhea. (same as Metformin) It can also cause sweating and low blood sugar.
tzs 8y ago
Why do you prefer berberine to metformin? Even if it is as effective (and the research on this seems to be quite sparse and uncertain), metformin seems to be less expensive. The berberine I'm finding at assorted online sellers seems to be around $20 for 120 capsules of 500 mg. Metformin is $4 for a 30 day supply or $10 for a 90 day supply at Walmart [1]. Same price regardless of whether the prescription calls for 1 pill a day or 2 pills a day, and regardless of the pill size (500 mg, 850 mg, or 1000 mg), so that means if your doctor will give you the right prescription you could get 180 1000 mg metformin tablets for $10. That's something like 6 times as cost effective as berberine! [1] This is the cash price. No insurance or GoodRX coupon required.
- LinuxBender 8y ago
  Berberine appears to have less side effects than Metformin and treats many more issues [1] at the same time. The link above links to some of the studies. I will try Berberine for 2 months, take a small break to reactive mtor and replenish muscle mass, then 2 more months on. If I don't see good results, I may try metformin as a last resort. Anything that keeps me away from dealing with doctors and prescriptions is a big win and I would happily pay more. For my other BP meds, I am trying to find a way to buy them in bulk. Doctors and delays induce life threatening risks. [1] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839379/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839379/

PaulHoule 8y ago

Berberine might be the only one.

dnautics 8y ago

Berberine is not the same molecule as metformin at all. One is a polycyclic antibiotic and the other is a polyimide glucose Suppressor. Whoever told you they are "equivalent" is crazy.

LinuxBender 8y ago
In fact, Berberine is a glucose suppressor as well. The link I provided links to several studies on the effects on glucose. In fact, I had to reduce the recommended dosage as I was going hypoglycemic (I already cut out all sugar).
- dnautics 8y ago
  I'm aware... I take an extract containing berberine as well, but they aren't exact substitutes at all, and to claim so is dangerous. Other people might have interactions.
  - LinuxBender 8y ago
    Certainly, people should review anything they plan on taking with their doctor. Berberine is well tested (about 3000 years of medical use). It wasn't until the last decade or so they found it had the same use as Metformin. Apparently metabolic syndrome is less of an issue in China? They mostly used it for gut infections and as a clothing dye. The most common interaction id diarrhea and cramping from diarrhea. (same as Metformin) It can also cause sweating and low blood sugar.

tzs 8y ago

Why do you prefer berberine to metformin? Even if it is as effective (and the research on this seems to be quite sparse and uncertain), metformin seems to be less expensive. The berberine I'm finding at assorted online sellers seems to be around $20 for 120 capsules of 500 mg. Metformin is $4 for a 30 day supply or $10 for a 90 day supply at Walmart [1]. Same price regardless of whether the prescription calls for 1 pill a day or 2 pills a day, and regardless of the pill size (500 mg, 850 mg, or 1000 mg), so that means if your doctor will give you the right prescription you could get 180 1000 mg metformin tablets for $10. That's something like 6 times as cost effective as berberine! [1] This is the cash price. No insurance or GoodRX coupon required.

LinuxBender 8y ago
Berberine appears to have less side effects than Metformin and treats many more issues [1] at the same time. The link above links to some of the studies. I will try Berberine for 2 months, take a small break to reactive mtor and replenish muscle mass, then 2 more months on. If I don't see good results, I may try metformin as a last resort. Anything that keeps me away from dealing with doctors and prescriptions is a big win and I would happily pay more. For my other BP meds, I am trying to find a way to buy them in bulk. Doctors and delays induce life threatening risks. [1] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839379/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839379/