metformin upset tummy

Metformin is Metformin is Metformin, whoever makes it. The generic form of the drug is identical to branded forms (such a "Glucophage") and should not have different side effects.
That said, I was fine on generic metformin for a couple of years (after the initial "wind and trots" had worn off), but then began to get sudden bouts of diarrhoea. I was swapped to the slow release form of Metformin (generic designation Metformin MR, brand name Glucophage SR) and the problem has eased considerably; so it is obviously perfectly possible that one can develop a sensitivity to the drug after prolonged use without trouble. I suggest you ask your doctor to try you on the slow release version, and see if things improve. (He may be reluctant, as it's a lot more expensive than the bog-standard stuff.)

Marvin - these sudden bouts of diarrhoea - was it just every now-and-again? I've just had two such, 10 days apart, lasting about an hour and then all as usual, no problems whatsoever. I can find no link in anything I've eaten and drunk (food diaries have their uses!).

I wondered if it could be something to do with the Metformin? I'm on 1 x 500g 3 times daily, since last October, and once I'd got over the initial reaction I've had no problems, unless these recent bouts are associated.

I'd be grateful for any ideas. I'm quite happy to take them, for their other protective effects, but one of these bouts when I'm not at home would not be a good idea! :shock:

Viv 8)

Hi, Viv,
The attacks seemed to come "out of the blue"..... I, too, struggled to find any other dietary links. At first I thought it was salad that did it, so I stopped that for a bit (no hardship there, I hate it!), but still got the attacks. Then I thought it was Canderel (I use it to sweeten stewed apple or other fruit). Stopped that, but still the attacks... very sudden and extreme (fortunately Immodium stopped them in their tracks.) I'd go four or five days with no trouble, and then POW, out of the blue. I was getting them every few days, and so I started to worry about bowel cancer and all that.
Went to the doctor about something else, and mentioned it in passing. He looked at my medication list (it's very long) and said "I just wonder if you've become sensitised to the metformin...let's try the slow release type". Well, I still get the occasional attack of the trots, but they're not nearly as bad nor as frequent. So, fingers crossed.......
( By the way, I'm on 2 x 500mg, of Metformin twice a day with food , and 80mg Gliclazide in the morning with food. The Metformin MR tablets are HUGE )

Thanks, Marvin. I'll keep an eye on it ( I record such on my food diary these days - low carb tends to constipate me a bit) and discuss with the doctor if it persists.

Viv 8)

I stopped taking my metformin nearly 2 weeks ago after some 11 years, and this is the first time that I have been diarrhoea free in those 11 years. I was convinced, due to its erratic occurrence (once a week on average), that the diarrhoea was due to something in my diet, but could never pin it down. I swapped to the slow release version about a month ago - BIG mistake (for me anyway). I am seeing the DN on Friday, so will see what the alternatives are; although, as my average BG has only risen by 0.4, I'll probably opt to go 'drug free' for a while to see how things pan out.

Peter