Bad side effects from Glucophage SR

[Hpetal]

Good morning all,
I have been away from the forum for awhile but just had to come back,
I have been T2 for 6yrs now and can not tolerate metformin so was given Glucophage sr.
Well let me tell you a little story....
I have really bad diarrhea all the time, i take loperamide as standard( i buy cheap over counter ones) I have had tests for other stomach issues, cameras both ends! consultant says it IBS and med intolerance. I got to the stage I wouldn't plan going out for fear of not being near a loo and used pads for safety, I was always checking where nearest toilet was out in town,
Anyway back in March I had a bad case of the flu, five weeks of it, so didn't feel like eating much so stopped meds! I know I am a bad person(slap on the hand) Da da diarrhea stopped completely, I hadn't felt so well in months, I also started Low carbing, I have lost 1 stone in weight.
Well 3 months later I suddenly started going for a pee constantly and developed thrush, really bad itch, stupid me never associated it with my diabetes. Then I was browsing here and lightbulb moment.... my symptoms became clear my diabetes was out of control!!! I have not been to my GP about this yet but I have tested my bg and last night it was wait for it... 21.1 OMG I have never been that high! This morning down to 17.5, I feel very well but have now gone back on meds, will see how it goes over the next few days. I will be going to GP to get off any metformin drug as it is ruining my lifestyle.

 

[ickihun]

Your post is like a parallel life to mine 18months ago.

I too stopped my metformin. Which isn't advisable without medical advice!

I've ended up back on a better metformin, just and reducing the insulin I needed in the intrim.
As soon as I was started on insulin I went low carb.
Before long I could reduce my insulin needs.

Now I'm on metformin LX and due to heat 55units of mixed insulin.
My last hba1c was 61, previously 54 from 117.
My aim is to get rid of insulin. Mild Lchf and walking/swimming helps.
My recovery is a long term task so I'd say I'm half way there, but getting there.

 

[carty]

I thought that Glucophage was a brand of Metformin ?
CAROL

 

[ickihun]

I thought that Glucophage was a brand of Metformin ?
CAROL

Glucophage is metformin. Metformin has different forms. Glucophage SR is one, XL is another.

 

[Hpetal]

yep glucophage is a brand of metformin that's what gets to me, Gp said slow release is better but not in my experience. There must be an alternative surely???

 

[LincolnLizzie]

I was on Metformin for some years, then changed to Glucophage, had chronic diahorrea and wasn't able to cope. Loperamide etc didn't help. For years they said it was IBS, even though I told them it wasn't affected by what food I was eating. Eventually they listened and I was sent to the community diabetic team where I was put on insulin about 7 months ago. What a transformation in my life. I've been able to stop taking Glicazide though low carbing and am now only on insulin and 1 X 10mg Forxiga daily. What a transformation in my life! Can thoroughly recommend the changeover if you do not tolerate Metformin or Glucophage.


Sent from my iPad using DCUK Forum mobile app

 

[carty]

I was incontinent on the regular Glucophage but OK on the SR .Sorry if too much information !

 

[Osidge]

I have been on metformin for 19 years with no side effects. Given its reported cardiac and cancer benefits, I have every intention of remaining on it.

Regards

Doug

 

[Moosepig]

I thought that Glucophage was a brand of Metformin ?
CAROL

it is - read the leaflet in the box, its

I thought that Glucophage was a brand of Metformin ?
CAROL

it is - if you read the leaflet in the box it tells you, it's just one of the generic names ☺

 

[ickihun]

yep glucophage is a brand of metformin that's what gets to me, Gp said slow release is better but not in my experience. There must be an alternative surely???

There was, but the US banned it because it caused heart problems and death.
Metformin is brilliant in what it does.
It doesn't work for everyone but it works for me and my Pcos symptoms too.
I find it has addition benefits which makes me happier than relying on another med which causes dire problems.
Long term use has been tried and tested too.

I found the upset tummy settled down once my body accepted it. For the first week only.

 

[Moosepig]

I was on Glucophage and tolerated it well then I guess in a cost cutting exercise my gp put me on sukkarto - not as good on it and my readings are higher, but I don't see how when it's technically all metformin sr!

 

[googlegoss]

I started on metformin but couldnt tolerate it. Was given glucophage slow release and had relatively few problems so there are definitely differences between the brands. Doc told me several of her patients can tolerate glucophage but not the metformin.

 

[Hpetal]

UPDATE.... day 2 of back on glucophage sr and gliclazide and guess what? I feel like *****! steaming headache, feel sick, stomach cramps, bloated and so tired! In a really bad mood, bg is still very high...16.1. making an appointment with diabetic nurse to discuss different medication, but will stick with it. any suggestions folks? coz I seriously need some

 

[MikePea]

Not a bad idea to read the leaflets now and again. Some times one can get quite a suprise.
I have been on 2x500mgm of Metformin daily for over 6 months now and was beginning to thimk they were the Bees Knees.