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Gliclazide and metformin ?

C

Craftylin13

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 2
I have been on these two medications for a while now, though the amount of each tablet has varied over the time.
I sometimes get an instant urge to go to the loo (empty my bowels) sometimes with only seconds as a warning. Usually happens just after I have eaten lunch. Wondering if it was anything to do with these two tablets, does anyone else get the same?


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I believe metformin can have this effect on some people. Make sure you take with food. If no better, there is a slow release version which some say is better. Basically, speak to your doctor as you don't have to put up with these sudden "urges" ! Good luck !
 
I would definately ask your prescriber to issue you with slow release metformin as they are much kinder to our digestive systems :thumbup: :clap:
I noticed the difference only two days later :D
 
Hi. AS the last poster says. Metformin plain version is well-known to cause bowel problems so o ask for the SR version if necessary. Gliclazide doesn't normally cause any problems like this.
 
I always take metformin with food, might be after I have eaten but usually straight after breakfast then after my evening meal. I am taking the slow release tablets also?


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Also, I am supposed to take 2x500mg tablets twice a day. I cannot manage this as I would be on the toilet for most of the day! Therefore I take 1x 500mg twice a day. This problem doesn't happen every day but can happen up to 3 or 4 times a week and can also be very embarrassing!



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How long have you been taking metformin and is the rushing for the loo problem new, or something you've had for the whole of the time you've taken it?
 
I have been on Metformin for about 5 years, at various doses. My loo problem is something that I have had now for quite some time but perhaps not all of the time I have been on Metformin. I did mention it to my GP once about 12 months ago and she didn't do anything about it, must of thought I was crazy or something, that's the impression I got. I will go to see my Diabetic GP at my surgery next week and see what he suggests.


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Hi Craftlin13. I would suggest you ask the GP for Metformin SR rather than waiting for him to suggest something. He should have changed you over before as you have had prolonged problems with the plain version?
 
Five years on metformin could also mean your B12 levels have become depleted as well, especially if the loo problem is something that started after three or four years on metformin.

As well as asking to be changed to metformin SR also ask for your B12 levels to be tested simply based on the length of time you've been on metformin and that it's known to cause B12 deficiency in long term users. It's important that low B12 is found because it can cause permanent nerve damage if it's untreated. Treatment is simply a monthly injection or a by taking calcium and B12 supplements.
 
I think making a note if what you have eaten just before you get this need would help you as I believe it might be diet related.

I used to have this problem but since eliminating carbs from my diet it seend to have calmed down a lot

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It's worth asking for a B12 test just to rule out B12 deficiency because it is known effect of long term use of metformin and easily treated if that is the problem. Best to know rather than not because it is often missed.

Other than that I would guess that it's likely diet related, a person can develop allergies at any point in their life and you may have become sensitive to something you eat regularly.
 
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