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advice needed

sarah74

sarah74

Well-Known Member
Messages
55
Location
bristol
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I recently have had my metformin increased and its left me with quite a bad tummy, will this sort its self out? Or should I speak to my diabetic nurse? Many thanks x
 
I had a horrible time of it for the first few months. Now it doesn't bother me at all. I found that by taking the Metformin during my meals (I'd eat half my food, take the pills, eat the rest) and taking the pills with a *full* glass of water helped alot.

You could also ask to be put in slow release Metformin, if you're not already. I requested that from day one, since I have IBS as well.
 
sarah74 said:
I recently have had my metformin increased and its left me with quite a bad tummy, will this sort its self out? Or should I speak to my diabetic nurse? Many thanks x
Click to expand...
Always worth mentioning it to the nurse just to let them know that it isn't as nice to take as they make out. Slight tummy ache was my warning, the worst diarrhea of my life was the reality along with a doctor who said it wasn't the metformin, I had IBS.
As has been mentioned, Sustained Release or Extended Release is much better. Also lowering carb intake helps as well. It's a very good drug and does what it says on the tin very effectively, but a lot of people have the bad side effects.
BTW, it's worth mentioning that Metformin 500 mg tablets can be purchased for 16p, Metformin SR 500mg will cost 45p, that's if you wanted to buy it in the UK. My last GP didn't want to prescribe SR because it was more expensive, come to think of it, he didn't like Atorvastatin while the patent was in force. One ex GP.
 
Thanks for your advice, I'm finding it a bit of a struggle having no warning then bang I need the toilet! Oh the joys of being a diabetic on metformin x
 
Hello Sarah and welcome to the forum.
I had problems with Metformin as well but ok now.I only take 1x5000mg a dayas I have kept my blood sugar down with diet,I dont want any more medication if I can help it.
 
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