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Metformin horror

J

Jen74

Well-Known Member
Messages
58
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Been on metformin sr for just over three wks now and it is playing havoc with my digestion, within half hour of taking a tablet stomach is killing and very loose stools, i keep hoping this will improve but doesnt seem to be getting any better, anyone else have same issue? Ive even had to miss a few doses if i have plans to go somewhere which isn't good in the long run
 
It is a very common side effect, although the slow release is meant to be a bit kinder on the stomach. Some people find the problems go away after a few weeks. If it continues I would inform the GP who may be able to prescribe a different drug.

I wouldn't worry about missing a few doses. Metformin is a mild drug that has limited effect on blood sugars. It helps a little with insulin resistance and helps to reduce the amount of glucose the liver produces, but not much else. It works better for those who are overweight as it is an appetite suppressant. It is also cumulative, so builds up in your body. Missing a few doses will have no effect.
 
I was the same, I kept trying for over a month, but it just got worse until I had no life that was worth living.
I decided to stop taking the tablets but it took some time to subside, and it seems that my gut is far more sensitive than it used to be even after 6 months without the dreadful stuff.
Any temptation to eat something high carb vanishes if I tell myself that it might mean I have to take Metformin again. As a result there is no reason to worry about my blood glucose.
 
I found that I that all the issues I had with Metformin stopped when I stopped eating bread. I don't know if it is just that by then my body has got used to Metformin (about the 4th day of day them) or if it is related.

If you have any intention of reducing the carbs you eat and/or fasting try to avoid being put on Sulfonylureas (glipizide) as you will then have to eat carbs at every meal to stop the side effects! Apart from Metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors(Farxiga) seem like the best option, but do read the threads on the risks.
 
@Jen74 - Don't Suffer with upset stomach and bowel problems. Go and see your GP or Diabetic Nurse and ask if you could try something else.
 
Jen74 said:
Been on metformin sr for just over three wks now and it is playing havoc with my digestion, within half hour of taking a tablet stomach is killing and very loose stools, i keep hoping this will improve but doesnt seem to be getting any better, anyone else have same issue? Ive even had to miss a few doses if i have plans to go somewhere which isn't good in the long run
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Same problem here. But I stopped taking them and sticking to low carb diet. Losing weight, reducing blood sugar and feeling much better.
 
Jen74 said:
Been on metformin sr for just over three wks now and it is playing havoc with my digestion, within half hour of taking a tablet stomach is killing and very loose stools, i keep hoping this will improve but doesnt seem to be getting any better, anyone else have same issue? I've even had to miss a few doses if i have plans to go somewhere which isn't good in the long run
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Did you try the normal metformin before trying the SR version?

It worries me that you say "stomach is killing" - if you mean pain under your left ribs, you could be getting gastritis. I had the same thing and ended up with bleeding gastritis and low ferritin levels within a fairly short space of time. I've since been told that something about the SR process could be the problem. It's a different kind of pain than the pain you get from imminent diarrhoea though.

If you haven't tried the normal metformin, I'd try swapping to that.
 
If metformin is giving you diarrhoea then stop taking it. Some people can’t take it, even the SR version, without getting the runs. Inform your GP and discuss alternatives at your next review.

A low carb diet is much more effective in lowing blood sugars than Metformin. Get a blood glucose meter to check which foods spike your blood sugars. Avoid high carb foods like breakfast cereals, bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. Some fruit is high sugar such as bananas and grapes. Cut back on fruit juice also.

You should find your blood sugars reduce significantly in a few weeks.
 
I take a bite then take my metformin then finish eating , never had a issue.
 
I managed to reduce the side effects a little, by staggering my tablets. I was supposed to take 4 x 500mg so I took 1 at breakfast, 1 at lunch, 1 at dinner, and one with a snack before bed. It helped a lot.
Four years on, and I take the two tablets together with very few issues. Although, I am on Lixisenatide injections, which bring "stomach problems" to a whole new level lol.
 
Indy51 said:
Did you try the normal metformin before trying the SR version?

It worries me that you say "stomach is killing" - if you mean pain under your left ribs, you could be getting gastritis. I had the same thing and ended up with bleeding gastritis and low ferritin levels within a fairly short space of time. I've since been told that something about the SR process could be the problem. It's a different kind of pain than the pain you get from imminent diarrhoea though.

If you haven't tried the normal metformin, I'd try swapping to that.
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No i was put straight on sr as i already have bowel issues having had a perforated bowel and susequent resection of large colon so they thought sr be best option NOT lol what i mean by killin is general severe abdo pain then loose stools repeatedly for hours after taking tablet
 
Hi @Jen74 :)
Metformin takes time to build up in your system, so it will take time to get it out of your system, drink plenty of fluids especially water - this will get your kidneys going.
 
Hi again @Jen74 :).
When you were taking the Metformin, did you take it with food?
Because taking it on an empty stomach can give some people stomach and bowel problems.
 
Liam1955 said:
Hi again @Jen74 :).
When you were taking the Metformin, did you take it with food?
Because taking it on an empty stomach can give some people stomach and bowel problems.
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Ye i took with food and without got same results both ways
 
Hi @Jen74 :).

I take the Standard Metformin and have not suffered with it (apart from the ocassional constipation) and I have been taking Metformin almost 17 years.
So, you really ought to make an appointment to see your GP and/or Diabetes Nurse at the Surgery.
 
Liam1955 said:
Hi @Jen74 :).

I take the Standard Metformin and have not suffered with it (apart from the ocassional constipation) and I have been taking Metformin almost 17 years.
So, you really ought to make an appointment to see your GP and/or Diabetes Nurse at the Surgery.
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Ye i will
 
Adel1988 said:
Does metformin cause hair loss
Click to expand...

I don't know
it can cause the body not to be able to uptake vitamin B12 but that would be more of a long term problem and that can cause a lot of havoc in the body all kinds as this does damage nerves in the body and can also cause neuropathy...

It is possible to most newly diagnosed type 2 people to control blood glucose by only going low enough in the number of carbs eaten in a day.. under a total of under 100 grams of carbs in a day or even lower...
I´ll tag @daisy1 so you´ll get all the valuable information this site offers on low carbing.. just keep asking questions in here and stay .. I think this forum is the best place to be on this planet when being diabetic.
 
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