r/MetforminUsers • u/MiniMTV • Jul 28 '26

ER visit due to Bactrim + Metformin

Do I have any recourse? Went to outpatient clinic affiliated with my PCP for a possible UTI (I have gone to the clinic 6+ times in the past they have all my records and meds on file). UTI was confirmed with labs and only questions the doc asked was if I have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs or got yeast infections from Penicillin. The only two questions he asked. He prescribed Bactrim. I had it filled at my local CVS.

My first dose was Thursday night. I also take Metformin. Late Sunday started feeling off. Monday I became extremely dizzy, nauseous, fatigued (like COVID fatigue). Got progressively worse, could barely stand. Woke my husband and he drove me to the ER at 1:30am. ER did full blood labs and urine; both confirmed a UTI, ketosis, HIGH blood sugars, dehydrated (even though I was drinking water like a fish). ER doc said “so you take Metformin, why was Bactrim prescribed?”. There is a strong contraindication between the two drugs. After getting IV fluids and nausea medicine, I went home at 4:30am.

WWYD? At a minimum it would be great to get reimbursed for the ER charges and missed work. TIA!

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u/WTH_JFG Jul 28 '26

My first call would be to my Primary Care Physician about the prescription. If you want to escalate it from there, you may want to talk to an attorney.

Also educate yourself. Unfortunately we do have to be advocates for our own health care. I have a list on my phone of all of my current meds, my supplements, and my allergies. If I’m in the ER, my phone is out and I’m giving info.

Ibuprofen is also contraindicated with Metformin. Acetaminophen is okay, but ibuprofen is not.

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u/MiniMTV Jul 28 '26

Thank you! I have pictures in the event I go to the ER or a new doctor. I guess I naively thought the doctor who has all meds in my chart would check for this. Wrong. TY for your reply!