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Metformin Problems

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PompeyinYork

Newbie
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Type 2
I have been taking Metformin for the past 13 years without any problems. Recently I was taken off my one tablet a day dose because of a low reading on my Hab1c ( 22). The low reading I believe is because I am currently on a chemo course which kills off healthy red blood cells as well as the rogue white blood cells which can leave me slightly anaemic during treatment. After 10 days of not taking Meformin my Blood Tests began to rise from the stable position I have been in for the last 13 years.
I am now back on one tablet a day but now suffer Belly Aches with the resulting visit to the loo .
My chemo specialists advise it is unlikely to be the treatment I am currently receiving but more than likely the reintroduction of taking Metformin.
Any advice on how to minimum these Belly aches, or will my body just adapt to Metformin as it has done for the past 13 years.
 
Hi PompeyinYork. I'm sorry you're having to handle chemo at the moment. I'm sure that's not on your list of favourite things to do!

Regarding your tummy troubles. I don't think anyone can say for certainty if your body will begin to tolerate the Moteforim like before, because other things, like your chemo, are now in the mix.

If you're not on it already, it might be worthwhile having a chat with your GP about the slow release Metformin, which tends to be gentler on the tummy. It costs a bit more than the regular Metformin, so they usually use that where possible.

I do hope it settles for you and the best of luck with your chemo.
 
Hi,

I agree with what DCUKmod has said, but would just like to add:

How long have you been back on the Metformin?
We often get people posting who have been told by their docs to take one tablet a day, and then, if they don't get a tummy reaction, to add a second tablet after a week or so, and on to a 3rd tablet a week after that, until they have reached the prescribed dose. If they get tummy problems, stay at that dose for a few weeks or, until the problems resolve, then add in the next tablet.

Now, obviously, if you are just on one tablet, then most of that advice doesn't apply to you. But it does suggest that adjusting to Metformin can take a few weeks.

And I would suggest that if you haven't adjusted by the end of 3-4 weeks, then don't suffer in silence. You have enough going on with your other health concerns at the moment. Go to your doc as DCUKmod suggests, and explain. I would imagine that your body is much more reactive and sensitive at the moment, so you may find the slow release Metformin much more bearable.

Hope the chemo goes well, and that you feel much better afterwards.
 
Thanks for your reply. I have been back on Metformin for 5 days, so will see how it goes. Will follow up if things don't improve. Thanks again, much appreciated.
 
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