Metformin Side Effects

[kmwa]

Has anyone had problems with water retention in lower legs.
I've been on metformin for years, and after repeated stomach ache and the runs, went onto Metformin slow release. This has been fine for many years, and recently I seem to be having the runs again and stomach ache.
So, a couple of days ago, I stopped the metformin and I noticed a big improvement in my legs. I get up in a morning and they look "normal", and at night, they are no where near as bad as before.
Obviously, I'm just trying this for a few days, before I speak to my diabetes nurse.
So, has anyone else experienced this ?

 

[kmwa]

have the night edema, afraid to go off the metformin. but on slow release, not having the stomach problems you are

Just looking at my legs now. Massively better than 3 days ago, when at this time you could see they would be much bigger.
Nothings really changed, apart from temporarily dropping the metformin. I take insulin too, keeping the same amount on that.
My body is weird lol.

 

[JCollins]

I have been on slow release for years and still have the runs. I also suffer from water retention, however hadn't thought if it as a side effect of metformin. I also find them difficult to take and gag when washing my teeth. This makes me sick and the tablet the night before comes up! Sounds and is disgusting. My pharmacist tells me that metformin can be taken in liquid rather than tablet. Will ask next time I visit consultant.

 

[kmwa]

I think it's time to ditch the forum, cos this has generated well over 200 comments on facebook. And, I read comments from people who do think it caused edema. Plus, I'm going to the toilet more regular now, to pee, this is possibly due to my body working better to flush out the toxins and not retaining fluid in my legs ?

 

[aloe]

I was put on metformin a couple of years ago. The leaflet with the medication warned against inhibited vitamin B absorption.when I was tested abou 2 years later my vit B levels were off the bottom of the scale.Now have chronic Neuropathy, Have had my driving license revoked and the NHS don't want to know!!

 

[Phoenix55]

If you are in the UK the recent heat may have had something to do with water retention in the legs. I used to have it badly, to the point where I went to my then GP and saw him about it. He checked half way up my 'calf', he told me I was too young to be put on drugs for water retention. Since then I have become borderline diabetic, refused metformin, reduced my carb intake, lost 2 stone in weight and I have retained my ankles through the heat with a 'normal' amount of swollen feet at the end of a long day on my feet. Dropping the intake of carbs was the answer for me.

 

[kmwa]

If you are in the UK the recent heat may have had something to do with water retention in the legs. I used to have it badly, to the point where I went to my then GP and saw him about it. He checked half way up my 'calf', he told me I was too young to be put on drugs for water retention. Since then I have become borderline diabetic, refused metformin, reduced my carb intake, lost 2 stone in weight and I have retained my ankles through the heat with a 'normal' amount of swollen feet at the end of a long day on my feet. Dropping the intake of carbs was the answer for me.

I agree, heat does make it worse, but my legs were consistently "not good".
The comment about the vitamin D deficiency is interesting.

 

[ZESTRIL]

Just looking at my legs now. Massively better than 3 days ago, when at this time you could see they would be much bigger.
Nothings really changed, apart from temporarily dropping the metformin. I take insulin too, keeping the same amount on that.
My body is weird lol.

 

[ZESTRIL]

Hello I was on Metformin for 15 years I had the same thing has you with running to the toilet I never had water retention I'm on novermix and trulicity my doctor put Empaglifozin and change my life know more runnrun to the toilet so speak to your doctor about Empaglifozin and I hope it changes your life like it did for me

 

[ZESTRIL]

Has anyone had problems with water retention in lower legs.
I've been on metformin for years, and after repeated stomach ache and the runs, went onto Metformin slow release. This has been fine for many years, and recently I seem to be having the runs again and stomach ache.
So, a couple of days ago, I stopped the metformin and I noticed a big improvement in my legs. I get up in a morning and they look "normal", and at night, they are no where near as bad as before.
Obviously, I'm just trying this for a few days, before I speak to my diabetes nurse.
So, has anyone else experienced this ?

 

[ZESTRIL]

Hello I have posted a reply about Metformin I was on the slow release ones to they was just a same the original ones I'm on Empaglifozin now they have changed my no more looking around for a toilet when I'm in a restaurant so please ask your doctor about Empaglifozin and then they might change your life

 

[BaliRob]

I agree, heat does make it worse, but my legs were consistently "not good".
The comment about the vitamin D deficiency is interesting.

The poster said "Vitamin B" - I tell you this because VitB deficiency can be life threatening