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Diarrhea with Metformin & Sitagliptin, is that normal?

M

Meg2009Arm

Well-Known Member
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I've been on Metformin for about 2 years and Sitagliptin for about 1 year as Metformin wasn't doing enough to keep my BG in good levels. My problem is that since going on Metformin I have regular diarrhea (2 or 3 times a day, most days) and since starting the sitagliptin it's got worse if anything, is this normal ? My doctor doesn't seem concerned. It's weird though because I will have a few days when it stops and then it gets bad again and I can't really pin it down to any particular foods I'm eating although Red wine seems to make it worse.

Advice please....
Thanks Meg
 
Hi meg2009Arm,

Don't know about sitagliptin, but metformin is known to cause trouble with digestion and intestinal function. Many people find that the slow release version (sometimes called SR, extended release ER, or modified release MR) is easier on the stomach. Also do you take your metformin with food? Some people have said that this helps.

I would ask your foctor for the slow release version and see if that helps. Of course it could also be due to other problems, such as IBS, IBD etc. so I would go back to your GP and make it clear that this is causing a real issue for you and you need to do something about it.
 
I Take both Metformin and Sitagliptin (Januvia)

Never had any problems with the Januvia

Metformin Well yes thats well know to affect your bowels
For me it took around eights weeks before it all settled down (Gp told me to stick with it)
But i always had that need the WC NOW not in a min or two NOW
it has other benefits lowers your apatite and evidence of a lipid (fat) lowering effect.

TOP TIP WITH METFORMIN tablets ,Take it with your food ie with a mouthful of food
this helped me a lot

Some info on Metformin
http://www.diabetesuffolk.com/Drugs/Metformin.htm

Some info on Januvia I found this very useful in stopping wild swings from high to low
http://www.diabetesuffolk.com/Drugs/Sitagliptin.htm
 
Thanks, I always take them with food as this is what I was told I had to do so that isn't an issue. Will discuss with my doc again.
 
I have the SR version of Met and am fine with it. You may have to lean on your GP as it's more expensive than standard Met. I also take Sitagliptin and have no problems with it apart from slight constipation, so we are all different!
 
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