Why Do I Have Side Effects From Metformin Extended Release 500 But Not Regular Metformin?

Who knows why we can't take to certain meds but others can, I couldn't take Metformin, the side effects were unbearable, the slow release one's were just as bad.
All of my supplies went in to the bin, fortunately Metformin is not that great at reducing glucose levels. On average it appears to reduce the Hba1c by just 1.5%, so as far as I was concerned it was no loss.
Cutting back on carbs was for me much more successful, I lost weight, lowered my blood sugar, no drugs, no side effects

Glenninindy said:

The side effect I get is difficulty breathing as was also noticed by researchers. I did not get this side effect from taking regular Metformin, non- extended, 5oo, twice a day. I would very much like to know if anyone here has had this happen to them from taking the extended release tablets also. Thank-You.

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Tablets are made to a formulation, like a recipe. Sometimes the "recipe" is a bit different between manufacturers, or I guess in your circumstances the slow release.

Breathlessness is not to be ignored, so I suggest, if you haven't already done so, you speak with your doctor about this asap. If you feel veryt unwell with it, please call 111. If your breathlessness makes you feel unsafe, then a trip to A&E would be in order.

It would definitely be worth asking your Doctor if you could try a different brand. The prescription can either be written stating along the lines of "Do not dispense X, Y or Z brand", or alternatively, once/if you find a brand you tolerate the prescription can state to only dispense X brand to you.

I have this situation with one of my thyroid meds, where one brand makes me very nauseous, but most others are OK.

I wonder if the diarrhoea associated with metformin is causing vitamin deficiencies?

I was diagnosed with late onset asthma a few years ago, I also get breathless every time my folate drops below a certain level - that is, when I have megaloblastic anaemia yet again.

AndBreathe said:

Tablets are made to a formulation, like a recipe. Sometimes the "recipe" is a bit different between manufacturers, or I guess in your circumstances the slow release.
......
It would definitely be worth asking your Doctor if you could try a different brand. The prescription can either be written stating along the lines of "Do not dispense X, Y or Z brand", or alternatively, once/if you find a brand you tolerate the prescription can state to only dispense X brand to you.

I have this situation with one of my thyroid meds, where one brand makes me very nauseous, but most others are OK.

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A few months after my T2 diagnosis I had an issue with a particular brand of standard metformin, prescribed for a short while when my usual one wasn't available, and the pharmacist made a note not to prescribe it. So I agree it's something worth reporting. I'd never had any issues at all while I was taking my normal brand, but after my problem I was also (probably unnecessarily) switched to the SR version of it - which was also problem free.

But I definitely agree with @catinahat, that often diet alone is all that may be needed to control our diabetes. I also eat a low carb/ketogenic type diet, and when my GP eventually decided I was going to be OK without my metformin, stopping taking it definitely made no difference all to my results.