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metformin slow release 500mg / passing the pill in my stools

R

russelluk

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8
HI #

Hope some could help?

I take metformin slow release 500mg for my type 2 diabetes I have been on these now for about 14 months.
Now this may sound a really strange question but when I go to the loo I pass the metformin pill usually not in my motion but just floating in the top of the toilet.
Is this normal?

The reason I am asking is because I have been having a lot of muscle pain and weakness in my arms and legs even picking a cup of tea up is quite hard to do so weak in my arm. Also legs feel weak pins and needles numbness in my finger tips and feet.

So guys is this normal to pass the pill when taking the pill its white when passing it's like a yellow colour not sure if the pill is working?

Just had a blood test a non fasting but everything was normal but I haven't told my GP about passing the pill I just feel so stupid walking in and saying in and telling him that I pass the pill in my motions.

Please and advice would be appreciated

Thanks

Russell
 
I would ring the dr, if your bg is ok that weakness needs checking out. No digestion of the met tab could be a symptom of something too
Don't be embarrsed, he's heard better than that
 
I would tell your GP, it isn't stupid at all if it's happening to you. Do you take the tablet with food, or on its own?

I used to get this problem with taking supplements and tablets too. Have you had antibiotics recently? I ask because they can destroy the good bacteria in us which can stop food etc being properly broken down and absorbed. There's a few supplements on the market which provide acidophilus which can help. I use one called Udo's choice which has a microbiotic range to choose from and also a supplement to help digestion.

The worst time for me was when I had two courses of double dose antibiotics and another ordinary one within five weeks. Even my food came through totally undigested then.
 
Also do you take statins?
 

Hi russell,

This explains it, it is only the shell of the tablet.
"The shells of Glucophage SR tablets may pass through your gut undigested and be visible in your faeces. This is normal."

Read more: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diabetes/medicines/glucophage.html#ixzz36O80xqHv

You really need to see your G.P. about the muscle pain and pins and needles.
 


Yes I take my tablet about 30 minutes before my breakfast. And I don't take any supplements really because I'm not sure what I can take, the only time I had antibiotics was about 6 month ago they said I had pylori bacteria and I must say I had such an awful time with the antibiotics diarrhea I could not leave my house for 2 weeks because of the need to use the toilet.

Thanks for your reply

Russell
 


Thanks very interesting reading as to the weakness and pins and needles I did mention this a few weeks ago hence the blood test a non fasting one. Came back normal Dr said don't worry about the weakness and numbness this is all part of diabetes neuropathy, but if my bloods are ok I don't understand why I would have neuropathy I haven't even had a test for neuropath problems so I'm at a loss of his explanation.

thanks

Russell
 
The statins could be suspect for some of your symptoms, but also B12. Metformin can interfere with absorption of B12 from food, so I'd be asking for your levels to be tested if you've been on metformin for quite a while. I'd check your symptoms against both statins and B12 deficiency on one of the online medical sites.
 
What are your cholesterol readings Russell?
 
This too happens to me, only its not a shell its the whole, solid Metformin SR (Slow release) table. I know for a fact its not a "ghost tablet" since I have picked it up out of the loo with a tissue, washed it off and squeezed and examined it.

All I know is I have been on Metformin for 2 years and my gut has been a mess since. I can't go too far from a loo. I am also on Victoza and a statin.

Russell, I hope you got sorted out after all this time?
 
i think when they refer to a shell they mean the kind of remains your finding. the metformin SR acts like a pump as it passes through your gut and although what your finding is solid, its done its job (no pun intended). i find the same in my stool and it was a shock at first to say the least!
 
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