Metformin - Side effects???

G

greybags

Well-Known Member
Messages
52
Type of diabetes
Type 2
I have been taking Metformin for many years and not noticed any problems, but over the last 3 or 4 months I have been getting bouts of nausea, stomach ache, mild headache, a certain looseness and urgency for the need of the toilet, in fact everything which matches the side effects of Metformin ..
The question is, having taken them all these years with no problems, is it possible that I have suddenly become susceptible to the side effects???

Any thoughts???
 
Mike d

Mike d

Expert
Messages
7,994
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Dislikes
idiots who will not learn
That could be any number of things I couldn't even hazard a guess ... back to the GP. I assume you're on slow release?

What is the daily dose?
 
G

greybags

Well-Known Member
Messages
52
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Mike D said:
That could be any number of things I couldn't even hazard a guess ... back to the GP. I assume you're on slow release?

What is the daily dose?
Click to expand...
Not slow release, just the standard stuff .. 1000mg mornings and 1000mg evenings....
I have an appointment with the Dr, but slightly easier to get to see the Pope.. Next appoint available is the 27th March.. So a bit of research before I go..
 
Mike d

Mike d

Expert
Messages
7,994
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Dislikes
idiots who will not learn
Ask for the SR version .... that might well help. What are your day to day readings? The reason I ask is you (if possible) should be doing what you can to get off them or reduce the dosage. T2 I take it?
 
D

Daibell

Master
Messages
12,674
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi. Yes, ask for the SR version even if the problem isn't the Metformin, it's one way of sorting out the cause.
 
DavidGrahamJones

DavidGrahamJones

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,262
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Dislikes
Newspapers
greybags said:
Next appoint available is the 27th March..
Click to expand...

Nearly seven weeks to see your GP doesn't sound like acceptable. I suppose it's up to you when the symptoms become really serious and for you to make a fuss, which I know we don't like doing. That's why I had appendicitis and peritonitis for seven weeks before surgery to remove appendix and rather large abscess. Just as well I'd been prescribed antibiotics for what they thought was a gall bladder infection.

More importantly, your symptoms should really be investigated in less than 7 weeks, it's not really acceptable, especially as it could be anything, none of us are medics here, that we know of. Thought of trying 111, see what they say?
 
Mike d

Mike d

Expert
Messages
7,994
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Dislikes
idiots who will not learn
In his introduce yourself thread, he admired his intelligence and regretted there was only one of him. Says it all really.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
A

Avocado Sevenfold

Guest
@greybags I have been on regular metformin for two years now without any bother, so have no experience to share of bad side effects. As you have had these symptoms for a few months now maybe you should check with your doctor. Not your diabetes nurse who will think everything is diabetes related, but your doctor just to be sure. Please let us know how you get on. All the best :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 people
D

Deleted member 83869

Guest
I only had problems when I took them incorrectly...say before a meal instead of after! Didn't realise that affected it so much!!
 
D

Daniel95503

Member
Messages
21
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
did your metformin manufacturer change? when the pharm changed its mfg, it messed me up real bad. glucose sky rocketed so i had weight loss, always peeing again, smelly pee, etc. the same symptoms i had before i was diagnosed. i changed to a different mfg and things are starting to sort them selves out again
 
Oldvatr

Oldvatr

Expert
Messages
8,453
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Avocado Sevenfold said:
It is not a symptom the OP mentioned when s/he asked for advice.
Click to expand...
Nevertheless it is a symptom of the medication. Why else would people call it Metfartin? It is derived from Glucophage, which is also called Goats Rue. i wonder how it got that name? it used to be a folk remedy way before Big Pharma. I think the comment, although slightly crass, is valid in the context. And there are probably many NON PWD's or ex Pwd's lurking on this forum. They may be looking up for a friend or relative, and we should not regard this as a private members club.

I think the headaches mentioned in the OP are unusual and may indicate something other than the metformin. Other than that i can relate to the other side effects mentioned, but cannot explain why there has been a change after so long. Maybe it is a different manufacturer? i had a batch of spanish Metformin once, which gave me gyp. Maybe the formulation has changed, or the so called inert filler is affecting the OP?
 
Oldvatr

Oldvatr

Expert
Messages
8,453
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Oldvatr said:
Nevertheless it is a symptom of the medication. Why else would people call it Metfartin? It is derived from Glucophage, which is also called Goats Rue. i wonder how it got that name? it used to be a folk remedy way before Big Pharma. I think the comment, although slightly crass, is valid in the context. And there are probably many NON PWD's or ex Pwd's lurking on this forum. They may be looking up for a friend or relative, and we should not regard this as a private members club.

I think the headaches mentioned in the OP are unusual and may indicate something other than the metformin. Other than that i can relate to the other side effects mentioned, but cannot explain why there has been a change after so long. Maybe it is a different manufacturer? i had a batch of spanish Metformin once, which gave me gyp. Maybe the formulation has changed, or the so called inert filler is affecting the OP?
Click to expand...
The other possibility is counterfeit. Met is no longer a cash cow, but there maybe someone trying to make a quick buck. I have had counterfeit goods from my local pharmacy before.
 
A

Avocado Sevenfold

Guest
@Oldvatr I agree we are not a private members club, but neither are we here for other's entertainment. I was offended by that poster's remark and was reminded of the work of **** and Dom. There is a time and a place for shouting childish things, and a health forum is neither in my opinion.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
A

Avocado Sevenfold

Guest
Oldvatr said:
You must lead a very sheltered existence. When I lived in Germany, such a comment would not be out of place even in adult circles. I know a clergyman who regularly uses this type of language, and he is not the first clergyman I have heard either. This side effect is well known (even by a non diabetic) so apart from using a 4 letter word beginning with 'f' then I say move on, get a life forget it.
Click to expand...
You know nothing about me.
 
Mike d

Mike d

Expert
Messages
7,994
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Dislikes
idiots who will not learn
Oldvatr said:
Nevertheless it is a symptom of the medication. Why else would people call it Metfartin?
Click to expand...

It may well be (not with me when I was on them for 6 months) but it doesn't alter the fact that he is NOT diabetic, has nothing to contribute to the thread other than a distracting comment and wouldn't know the effect unless he took them himself. That's a polite way of saying "keep out of it" as it's attention seeking rubbish.
 
Top Bottom