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Problem with size of tablets

B

Blackberry

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Hi, Diagnosed with T2 in Dec '09, have been diet and exercise controlled until recently. Last Hb1AC result this week came back at 15.7! (3 months ago was 7.1) Thought I was doing really well as my own monitor showed 6.4 for a 30 day period!
However have now been told I have to take Metformin Mod Release 500mg - have a problem with this as I can't swallow tablets - even have to break a paracetamol in half and these are twice the size of a paracetamol. Is there an alternative i.e. granules or liquid? Any advice welcome, has anyone else ever had this problem - feel so pathetic, but have always had a problem swallowing tablets etc.

Thanks.

Blackberry
 
Thanks for the reply. Would the liquid form still be the moderate release type. Have heard that the mod release is less likely to upset your stomach etc. Have a phobia about vomiting - am 57 yrs old and have not vomited since I was 12 yrs old - hence the fear! There seems to be lots of people on the forum who just accept the upset stomach etc as routine, something which I am unable to do. Just the thought that it might make me sick stops me from being able to swallow the tablets.
Ashamed to admit it, but that's how it is.
Thanks again.
 
You would have to ask the Doctor or Pharmacist about this, being a liquid it probably is not modified release though.
 
If you cannot tolerate the metformin like I did they usually substitue it with another like I went onto Diamicron Modified release. (Gliclizide) as metformin gave me the runs. Plus the diamicron MR is tiny tablets 8)
 
Hi Blackberry

Just wanted to say I sympathise! I have a problem swallowing tablets in general although I have fortunately got a bit better since having to take so many after diagnosis. I have to cut the 'normal' metformin in half to take it, and have recently been switched to slow release due to side effects. I've always resisted the SR ones as I thought the whole point was to take them whole, and I have a friend on them so knew they were enormous!! My diabetes nurse has said I should try the SR even if I do have to cut them. It's a bit too soon for me to comment on how it's going so far.

I, like you, have a phobia of vomiting, and struggle with anything that makes me feel nauseous as the last time I vomited was about 27 years ago.

Unfortunately, if diet alone isn't controlling our BS we do need medication to avoid further problems, so I hope you find the solution for you. I've found I can't get soluble versions of anything due to the expense :(

Sue
 
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