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Upset Stomach with Metformin

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Pinnig

Active Member
Hi,

I'm newly diagnosed type 2 and think it likely I'll be prescribed metformin. I also suffer from IBS.

I've read that it can cause stomach upset. I'm slightly worried that I might be wedded to the loo - again!

Can anyone offer advice on how it may have affected them and how long any upset lasts?

Thanks
 
Hi pinnig.

Every one of us is different where drugs are concerned. I never had any problems at all with Metformin as my GP increased the dosage gradually. Others have mega problems with it.

Here is a link to a search for Metformin on this site. There are over 3000 mentions. If you have the time take a look.

search.php?st=0&sk=t&sd=d&keywords=metformin

Ken.
 
i was on metformin for a few mnths with insulin, i found i had a lot of trapped wind but never runs,i also have ibs :)
 
Ouch....trapped wind is sore. That's reassuring that it didn't cause the runs - that's what I fear the most. Thanks for your reply totsy
 
Hi Pinning,

I had tummy problems at first with Metformin, but I found a post on here that advised to take metformin in the middle of a meal, I did and guesss what ? no more tummy problems. Try it it may work for you too !
Bernie :wink:
 
I have always had 'weird' bowl movements.

The first time I took metformin, the night was horriffic, but then no real problems since.

good luck.
 
Hi I too am on Metformin and had few stomach problems in first few days of taking them, terrible cramps and feeling of sickness more than anything else - spoke to the nurse and she suggested taking them during or after meal rather than before and it seems to have worked for me.
 
Hi

I too had a lot of problems with Metformin.

I came off them and have tried the slow release version and I get on a lot better.

Saw the Nurse today and I have to increase again so this may test the slow release version... :roll:

Met is not the be and end all so it is worth going back to report your issues there are other options...

Take care
 
I started Metformin back in February this year and started on a diet based on NHS advice i.e. lots of fruit, etc.

I was bothered by wind.

Eventually swapped on to low carb with lots of salad and veggies. No wind!

Success!
 
I take Metformin (Glusophage) 1000miligrames daily along with Diamicron, upset stomach is normal 4 me, lose bowels 2, stomach cramps tell me about it the pain can sometimes be unbearable, but for a while now things have been quite placid hardly any pain at all, great!! :)
 
I took metformin, then metformin SR, but I gave up after 18 months because of terrible wind and diahorrea. Now on Amaryl & Actos.
 
I was changed to Glucophage which is metformin in a slow release format I had been suffering badly from the runs and occasional bouts of sickness.I have been much better on the Glucophage except one evening when I didnt take the tablet with my evening meal so I took it later(about 3 hours) with a very small snack.I was sick at 3 o clock in the morning! Not fun. so I suggest you ask your GP for slow release and take in the middle of your meal.By the way Glucophage is more than 4 times more expensive than generic metformin thats why we are prescribed it first! CAROL
 
I refused to take Metformin to start with just changed my diet, and lost 2 stone in weight, however after 3 years I had to go on it. As I have a very delicate stomach my GP gave me the SR version. However, even this gave me violent liquid diarrhoea so I am now on Gliclazide, only half a 80mg tablet twice a day and have had no problems except I have to make sure that my BG does not fall too low.
 
I can completely suppress any adverse stomach reaction to Metformin by taking it with food; literally between mouthfuls. For me this seems to do the trick.


Sent from my brain v0.9
 
Grumbling stomach and diarrhoea for me with Metformin, doctor prescribes it but understands I do not take it except if I know I can make the sprint to a toilet...preferably my own!! Interesting that Metformin is supposed to help with insulin resistance and yet it has no effect on my levels whether I take it or not.......great for constipation! :mrgreen:

Dave
 
I’m just newly diagnosed 6 weeks I have been on metaformin, now 2 in morn and 2 in even, I have been feeling abs awful, terrible upset stomach and feeling very sick at times. I don’t want to give up, I will try taking them whilst eating. I was ok first couple weeks , now feeling awful, but was on lower dose initially.
 
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