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Hi,
I know that this is probably the same as asking how long is a piece of string but any anecdotal evidence is probably helpful.
So, I was diagnosed as Type 2 three years ago and was put on Metformin - 2 x 500 a day and didn’t have too many problems with side effects. I got my levels down from 87 to 48 and things were looking good. Then I decided to give up smoking and found that my diet control went out the window. I couldn’t concentrate on both and my weight and levels went up again.
So I was put onto 4 x 500 a day and it brought my levels down a bit but my stomach started struggling - painful bloating and very bad constipation. I was then put onto Vipdomet at 2 x 1000 to help bring it down further and for the two months as I was on that I was in Hell - crippling stomach pains every day, explosive diarrhoea - the lot. I have had blood tests, stool tests and everything has been clear. I’m waiting for a Colonoscopy date.
Because I had no problems when I first started taking Metformin so I didn’t equate the increased dosage with the medicine. My GP suggested it might be a side effect so I spoke to the Diabetes Nurse and she put me onto extended release but it didn’t help. So, as I await my next appointment with her I stopped taking the Metformin. I’m on a low carb diet, I don’t eat many sweets or cakes etc and I monitor my diet. I’ve lost 16lbs since I last spoke to her, I’m exercising regularly. I have only stopped as my Specialist Nurse is on annual leave this month and I was barely functioning and I need a semi functioning stomach for an event in a few weeks. The spasms and bloating have reduced since I stopped a week ago but they are still there. I’m getting bouts of constipation followed by painful diarrhoea but not as frequent.
Anyway, my question is - has anyone stopped Metformin because of the side effects? If so how long did it take for the effects to clear up? As I say, I know everyone is different but any thoughts would be very much appreciated.
I know that this is probably the same as asking how long is a piece of string but any anecdotal evidence is probably helpful.
So, I was diagnosed as Type 2 three years ago and was put on Metformin - 2 x 500 a day and didn’t have too many problems with side effects. I got my levels down from 87 to 48 and things were looking good. Then I decided to give up smoking and found that my diet control went out the window. I couldn’t concentrate on both and my weight and levels went up again.
So I was put onto 4 x 500 a day and it brought my levels down a bit but my stomach started struggling - painful bloating and very bad constipation. I was then put onto Vipdomet at 2 x 1000 to help bring it down further and for the two months as I was on that I was in Hell - crippling stomach pains every day, explosive diarrhoea - the lot. I have had blood tests, stool tests and everything has been clear. I’m waiting for a Colonoscopy date.
Because I had no problems when I first started taking Metformin so I didn’t equate the increased dosage with the medicine. My GP suggested it might be a side effect so I spoke to the Diabetes Nurse and she put me onto extended release but it didn’t help. So, as I await my next appointment with her I stopped taking the Metformin. I’m on a low carb diet, I don’t eat many sweets or cakes etc and I monitor my diet. I’ve lost 16lbs since I last spoke to her, I’m exercising regularly. I have only stopped as my Specialist Nurse is on annual leave this month and I was barely functioning and I need a semi functioning stomach for an event in a few weeks. The spasms and bloating have reduced since I stopped a week ago but they are still there. I’m getting bouts of constipation followed by painful diarrhoea but not as frequent.
Anyway, my question is - has anyone stopped Metformin because of the side effects? If so how long did it take for the effects to clear up? As I say, I know everyone is different but any thoughts would be very much appreciated.