- Messages
- 22
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Hi
I've recently had to stop taking Metformin after 18 years, as an increase from one twice a day to 2 twice a day, caused such severe symptoms. I basically started to retain fluid, yet had constant diarrhoea. I gained around 5 kilos of fluid over a very short space of time and stopped passing urine.
Since stopping the Metformin, I've lost the fluid, but also the daily abdominal pain and discomfort i'd had for 18 years and had investigated on numerous occasions. My blood sugars on diet and exercise are lower than on medication, though its too early to say if this will be sustained.
I have a feeling i'm not alone with my symptoms. Metformin may be cheap to prescribe, but I suggest the ultimate cost to the NHS, is phenomenal. The cost of investigations for abdominal and other physical symptoms, let alone the mental health of victims of side effects, must be staggering.
I suggest anyone taking this pernicious drug and have the symptoms I've described should see their GP or diabetic specialist. I use the word pernicious because long term use could necessitate vitamin B12 injections, increase the need for antacids such as Omeprazole, which may in turn deplete magnesium levels, causing a whole host of other problems.
Am I alone?
I've recently had to stop taking Metformin after 18 years, as an increase from one twice a day to 2 twice a day, caused such severe symptoms. I basically started to retain fluid, yet had constant diarrhoea. I gained around 5 kilos of fluid over a very short space of time and stopped passing urine.
Since stopping the Metformin, I've lost the fluid, but also the daily abdominal pain and discomfort i'd had for 18 years and had investigated on numerous occasions. My blood sugars on diet and exercise are lower than on medication, though its too early to say if this will be sustained.
I have a feeling i'm not alone with my symptoms. Metformin may be cheap to prescribe, but I suggest the ultimate cost to the NHS, is phenomenal. The cost of investigations for abdominal and other physical symptoms, let alone the mental health of victims of side effects, must be staggering.
I suggest anyone taking this pernicious drug and have the symptoms I've described should see their GP or diabetic specialist. I use the word pernicious because long term use could necessitate vitamin B12 injections, increase the need for antacids such as Omeprazole, which may in turn deplete magnesium levels, causing a whole host of other problems.
Am I alone?