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Metformin side effects!?!?

Most people take to the Standard Metformin. But,It can cause an upset stomach and diarrhoea in some people especially if taken on an empty stomach, which is why it should be taken with or after food.
The good news: these symptoms usually go away within a few weeks. But, if you are still suffering your GP can prescribe the Slow Release Metformin which is much kinder to your stomach. It takes time for Metformin to build up in your system to reach it's full effect. :)
 
The metformin can be nasty on your stomach, I went off mine for a while because of it. I found though that taking Kefir (it's a fermented milk drink bit like a strong, thin natural yogurt) helped a lot . You can usually buy it from shops that sell Polish food, it must be popular there.

I mention it because a family member had such severe diverticulitis that they were in constant pain and bleeding and when I found the kefir helped my stomach he tried it and found great relief. Apart from the sour taste there is no reason to take it as far as I know so worth a shot?
 
Terryrhino said:
Hi all I was just wondering about a specific side effect of metformin?
I've been taking 500mg a day last week and as of 15th October it's doubled to 1000mg a day as the doctor told me, my concern is I'm having slight stomach cramps and slight constipation I'm also on a low carb high ish fat diet,
I also suffer with diverticular disease I'm just wondering if my symptoms were from the metformin or diverticulitis I know you're not doctors and can't give me a diagnosis but thoughts and opinions are very helpful

Thanks in advance
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I am on 500 Metformin 3 times a day and find the only sidse effect is constipation.
 
Just Incase anyone is interested, I don't believe my symptoms were anything to do with metformin as I ended up in hospital 23rd oct with diverticulitis and a perforated abscess I've been rather poorly and still not 100% now but I was well looked after in hospital
 
@Terryrhino - My Mother was Diabetic Type 2 and she had Diverticulitis too - the Metformin made her suffer terrible Stomach cramps and she had the 'trots' with the Metformin. Her GP put her Cliclazide and the problem was sorted.
I think you need to see your GP and discuss other Diabetic medications.
 
Liam1955 said:
@Terryrhino - My Mother was Diabetic Type 2 and she had Diverticulitis too - the Metformin made her suffer terrible Stomach cramps and she had the 'trots' with the Metformin. Her GP put her Cliclazide and the problem was sorted.
I think you need to see your GP and discuss other Diabetic medications.
Click to expand...

Thank you Liam I will mention this to the doctor and see what happens
 
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