SR Metformin HELP tablet phobia

Hi. Don't worry about Metformin. It's a good safe drug that most of us take; I've had the full dose for 9 years without any problems apart from the metallic taste which some have but it does fade away! The plain version can cause some stomach upset for some, but the SR version is much kinder. If you have been prescribed more than 1 tablet per day then increase the dose over several weeks. Take them with meals. I'm sure you'll have no problems. The Metformin helps reduce the amount of glucose flowing in the blood. It doesn't make a vast difference but is especially useful if you are overweight.

I had a bad stomach with the normal Metformin but have been ok with the SR version I eat half my meal then take the pill then finish my meal this seems to work well
CAROL

I was diagnosed type 2 three weeks ago and was put on Metformin 500g tablets, increasing from 1 a day for first week, 2 a day second week and I am currently on 3 a day. I was warned about side effects - unfortunately I am experiencing tummy problems which are a problem at work (luckily I have understanding colleagues!) and have currently stopped me from daring to leave the house for long! I have been told by a family friend who is a specialist nurse who deals with diabetic patients that the slow release ones would be better so I am seeing my doc tomorrow. However, as my mum is also diabetic and I know some of the issues she has had to deal with with not taking the correct medication all the time, I will put up with my body adjusting to the tablets in the short term rather than have potential problems in the long run. Just to also say, I think this forum is going to really helpful as I come to terms with my diagnosis, it has already helped answer some of my questions. I'm sure I will have plenty in future.

I'll echo what others have said, the normal tablets played merry hell with my bowels, but switching to Modified/Slow release took all those side effects away! As already said, take with food, as in half way through a meal, and you'll barely notice anything!

Metformin is one of the safest drugs out there too!



Bob

I have taken 3 a day nice December a new t2 .....
Weight loss good and the metformin stopped some other symptoms thirst etc.....still have other problems though but think they may well be because the symptoms were there for rather a while.... I would not cope worth put mine....my blood sugars have reduced which I am pleased about....take some exercise...well force myself and the rest is diet...the challenge. Good luck with whatever you do

My last post sorry the letters jumped!!!!! Or was it me...but you will know what I mean

hiya hewy i was just like you scared to death of takeing metformin.I started it in january and at first i did have a bit of a upset tummy but now i take it no problems and feeling great i didnt relise how long i needed to take it but if being honest id been suffering with type 2 for about 2 years and am loads better from takeing it.I have a wonderful D.N and G.P who look after me,and always put my mind at ease.If i was you take them because you need them dont ignore because diabetes kills.xx

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hewy said:

Thanks very much I feel braver now, its a big step isn't it once on the road to medication, and I am overweight but I don't eat much so its weird. I am told Metformin could help lose a stone or two. Thanks again :thumbup:

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hewy the SR slow release is like a totally different drug from the regular metformin--so much easier for stomach,bowels etc. it is also a protector of the kidneys--but i wouldn't plan on losing weight on them, at least they didn't help me in that department, try to take them same time every day & with food and drink of water, and i find am better than pm to work efficiently.. good luck with your health, you are more in control with your diabetes than any pill is, small portions spaced apart and keeping levels steady and less carbs more protein & green leafy veggies with some walking or movement seems to be the best prescription for us, diabetes can force us into a healthier eating & living lifestyle than we otherwise might have been prone to..
best wishes

If I have sent this twice I'm sorry I was also prescribed. Metformin but due to the size of this medication I was un able to take it I. Nearly choked on it if it wasn't for my mum it could have turned nasty. So it just insulin for me unless the tablet are shrunk in size

Glucophage SR isn't the only brand of slow release metformin available and tablet sizes do vary with different brands.

Actavis produce a slow release metformin under the brand name of Metabet SR and the 500 mg tablets from that brand are less than half the size of the equivalent Glucophage tablets and have a smooth coating that makes them easier to swallow. I've taken both and found no difference between the two in their effectiveness.

Doctors can prescribe a medication by a specific brand name if you find that a particular brand is more suitable to your needs so it's worth asking if you can try a different brand of medication if you are having problems with the size of tablets.