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diarrhea and diabetes medication

Hi Jane

Are you talking about metformin? Many people on here report a bad bum when they start taking it. Tips seem to be

- take it mid meal and drink plenty of water
- if you have to increase the dosage, build up slowly to give your body time to adjust
- ask for the slow release version if the regular version still troubles you as it is gentler on your stomach
 
I've been on 3 x 500mg daily of metformin for the last 3 or 4 years. There were some problems initially, and I only went to shops I knew had working customer toilets , but this only lasted for a for a few days in my case, under a week anyway. The problem that lasted a little longer, but still subsided, was, well, lets just say that they sometimes call it met-fartin for a reason. :D

It usually sorts itself out though, its just the shock to the system. If it doesn't clear after a week or so, as the previous poster suggested, ask GP for the slow release version. My GP started me on one per day for a couple of days, then 2 a day, up to 3 about 10 days later. Still had the above side-effects, but no-where near as violent as they could have been.
 
Have to agree with all other comments, however every ones reaction is different


Type 2 diagnosed 24/01/2013.
NovoRapid, Lantus, Victoza, Metformin (sr), Simvistatin
 
The first thing to say is read up on the benefits of Metformin which are considerable I can't remember them off hand but you really want to stay on it if possible. If you're not on it already go onto the slow release (it costs the same according to my doctor) I was a lot better and now only have occasional Metformin moments (as I call them) once I swapped. You'll probably find certain foods make it worse, I was in France this week and ended up eating a lot of white bread- my Metformin moments were more frequent.
 
I've been on Metformin since I was diagnosed 6 months ago. I'm embarrassed to report that there has been the odd time when I haven't made it as far as a toilet. However there are some days when I have no problems. It makes me wonder if there are certain foods that the Metformin reacts with. Also, and I'm embarrassed to report this too, I tend to fart a lot. It's really reassuring that I am posting under a pseudonym and none of you know where I live! I wouldn't share these problems with anyone who knows me but I suspect they might have noticed anyway!
 
Having done a lot better on the slow release for several months, I went to France last week- lots of lovely French white bread= back to Metformin moments every day so I'm staying off white bread from now on.
 
I had problems before going on the metformin but it certainly hasn't helped matters! I get really bad painful lower stomach cramps that come on suddenly and I have to rush very fast to the loo :( sometimes is so bad I feel like I'm going to be sick and pass out while the other end is going, sorry if tmi but u did ask ! :) I got told by Dr it would pass but 4 months on it hasn't, asked to change tablets but refused, don't let that put u off tho all doctors are different, it's worth asking, good luck hope u get it sorted x
 
ive not had it before but have been suffering the squirts this past couple of days, with these comments im starting to wonder if someone has been going to the toilet then typing on the forum without washing their hands...... mo?

lol


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I had half my colon removed due to bowel disease and was on a high dose of Metformin and am glad I'm no longer on it and am on insulin now. In my opinion I would give it a 9/10 on bad gastrointestinal side effects and should NOT be prescribed if you have any stomach or bowel problems....no more farting here lol !
 
It slows down your bowel, doctors don't like prescribing it as it can be addictive being an opiate. I needed it and Immodium Syrup (POM) as well after having half my colon removed. Had a colostomy and had it reversed only to have 10 months of the squits. Not pleasant believe me.
 
ive had bowel problems since the summer when I found out I had type 2 my gp wants me to see a specialist
 
I have just started to take metiform . I have had an upset stomach as well. I am also having bouts of nausea and feeling full as well. Hopefully this will settle down soon
Does anyone else have problems with metiform ?
 
I did when I first started taking it,definitely had stomach cramps,needed the loo pretty quickly and felt really sick,I do also get heartburn.
The side effects for me have now gone I am on slow release and have been taking them for 3 weeks now.
 
louch1 said:
I have just started to take metiform . I have had an upset stomach as well. I am also having bouts of nausea and feeling full as well. Hopefully this will settle down soon
Does anyone else have problems with metiform ?
Click to expand...

Yep, on and off............................the loo that is. Started as soon as I took them when I was in hospital mid November and I still get bouts of the tummy rumbles. Worst while I'm out for my walks although I have now decided to wait until I've been to the loo first. I'm fine after that.toilet smiley.jpg
 
Oh yes, I know what you mean!
It took me 5 - 6 weeks to build up to 2 Metformin twice a day, but over the last three weeks I have had to cut the Metformin as the side effects have been very dramatic!
No pain at all, else I'd think it was a bug!
Interesting that some people say they also feel sick.
Again, over the last three weeks I find that I feel nauseous quite a lot of the time, nothing I eat tastes good and I could easily go without food much of the time .... obviously as a very good and well-behaved diabetic I don't miss meals .....
So, the nurse said to wait till after my first 3 month check in January then see if I need to go onto slow release.
I quite hope I do!
Despite this, I'm not really losing any weight, which is rather disappointing!
Hope things sort our for you.
 
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