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Metformin slow release side effects

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Ames37

Active Member
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I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. Started on half a metformin tablet for a few days then went on to a full one (500mg I think) about a week ago. I’ve been ok on them but today I feel very nauseous and had to use the loo a lot more. Can it take this long to experience side effects? I thought they would come a lot quicker.
It could be a bug or something but I haven’t left the house at all for over a week, but my husband has been to the shop a couple of times. Could I be having a delayed reaction to the meds?
 
Ames37 said:
I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. Started on half a metformin tablet for a few days then went on to a full one (500mg I think) about a week ago. I’ve been ok on them but today I feel very nauseous and had to use the loo a lot more. Can it take this long to experience side effects? I thought they would come a lot quicker.
It could be a bug or something but I haven’t left the house at all for over a week, but my husband has been to the shop a couple of times. Could I be having a delayed reaction to the meds?
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Hi - I experienced exactly the same problem and I was on two, twice a day! My diabetic nurse suggested that I spread the dose out during the day rather than all at once. Check with your nurse but I must say that frequent visits to the loo seem to be a significant side effect of Metformin. Also ask if you can be put on the Slow Release type - it seemed to help.
 
Hi. The header says 'Slow Release' but are you on the standard version? The SR version is much better so ask for the prescription to be changed if the problem persist.
 
I am on slow release. Spoke to the doctor today who said the stomach ache and diarrhoea are still side effects of that. I feel **** to be honest. Trapped wind feeling top of my back now.
 
Ames37 said:
I am on slow release. Spoke to the doctor today who said the stomach ache and diarrhoea are still side effects of that. I feel **** to be honest. Trapped wind feeling top of my back now.
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Hi. Some people just can't tolerate any form of Metformin and if that is so it is best avoided by agreement with the GP. Does your Metformin package have the letters SR or ER to signify the Slow Release version?
 
Ames37 said:
I am on slow release. Spoke to the doctor today who said the stomach ache and diarrhoea are still side effects of that. I feel **** to be honest. Trapped wind feeling top of my back now.
Click to expand...
I never got on with Metformin, but it seems to be the drug of choice and apparently protects the heart very well.
 
It's actually quite an interesting drug and apparently discovered in 1922.......from Wiki

Metformin is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. It has a low risk of causing low blood sugar. High blood lactic acid level is a concern if the medication is prescribed inappropriately or in overly large doses. It should not be used in those with significant liver disease or kidney problems. While no clear harm comes from use during pregnancy, insulin is generally preferred for gestational diabetes. Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent. It works by decreasing glucose production by the liver and increasing the insulin sensitivity of body tissues.

Metformin was discovered in 1922. French physician Jean Sterne began study in humans in the 1950s. It was introduced as a medication in France in 1957 and the United States in 1995. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system. Metformin is the most widely used medication for diabetes taken by mouth. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale price in the developed world was between US$0.21 and $5.55 per month as of 2014. In the United States, it costs US$5 to US$25 per month. In 2016, it was the fourth-most prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 81 million prescriptions.
 
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