Re: When best to take slow release Metformin
Feebiecat said:
Hi
I have changed to slow release Metformin after seeing an increase in side effects of normal Metformin over the last year.
My doctor said to take in the morning after breakfast but having read the leaflet it said to take at night with/after evening meal. Does anybody know which would be better?
Also can anyone advise me if they changed to slow release but still experienced side effects and for how long?
I would love to come off this but my doctor is not keen as the only alternative at this stage would be Gliz..(whatever it's called!) and apparantly that will make it harder for me to lose weight.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
Feebs
x
It depends which brand you are taking........information from BNF59
Glucophage SR.
Dose: Adult and child over 10 years initially 500 mg with breakfast for at least 1 week then 500 mg with breakfast and evening meal for at least 1 week then 500 mg with breakfast, lunch and evening meal; usual max. 2 g daily in divided doses
OR
Bolamyn SR
Dose: Initially 500 mg once daily, increased every 10–15 days, max. 2 g once daily with evening meal; if control not achieved, use 1 g twice daily with meals, and if control still not achieved change to standard-release tablets
You need to check which you have and discuss this with your GP as often the doses can be varied for reasons known only to the HCP themselves.
The alternative you mentioned is called Gliclazide. I was on this and did put on weight, however after making a concerted effort to lose weight I found that I could cut the Glic and now don't take any. Not everybody get's to put weight on as some posters can testify.
Ken