Diabetes....metformin

[CuirousGeorge]

My A1c is improving and I have been off insulin since surgery (YEAH!) My new Dr. wants some better control so has prescribed Metformin (500 mg 2x daily) I am struggling. The first 2 doses (day 1) seemed to go ok. But since then (now day 4) I am living on the toilet ! I am doing everything I can to stay hydrated (including Gatorade 2 and about to try some PediaLyte) and the only food that seems to set is at lunch (when I don't take the meds) and then I am more uncomfortable than satiated. The dr. said it would take a while for my body to 'acclimate' to the meds. I am going to stick it out for a week and if I don't get some relief I will call the Dr to see if there is another med that will work. I am not getting in the amount of protein my surgeon recommends so I am concerned I will prolong my existing stall. Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar situation and how long it took them for their body to "acclimate"

[purplelace70]

I took metf. for years (not now) and the potty was a problem at first, over time I just seemed to cause some explosive issues once in a while. It is a less invasive drug and hopeful you will not need it for long. All the best.

[purple]

hi george, that should pass soon, but i would ask dr. if u can back down to only 1 a day untill your body gets used to it. i didnt take it often, as i was only pre diebetic, but every time i did that would happen, but after a few days that would go away. i had asked dr. practicioner about it she said i ate to many carbs, but i never believed that... but if u take it once a day, take it at your most carby meal to balance the sugars. did your family dr put you on it or your bariatric dr....hopefully u wont need it long..good to talk to u.. be heathy....

[Fran71]

Hi George my mum takes metformin & apparently it's known for causing irratble bowel syndrome. My mum moved onto slow release metformin, the tablets are HUGE like bloody horse tablets. It seems to have settled down a little although not perfect it's a great improvement. Ask your Dr if they can prescribe the slow release version. It may help.

[LMS]

That is a good question are you taking ER? My pharmacy accidently did not give me the ER (extended release) and I really thought I was going to die. I do not have diabeties but PCOS. Since surgery I do not take right now hoping weight loss with help that but I do recall that when I started it was a step up proram, like 1/2 then 1 then 2 X2 a day. Never just started full amount.

[ivygreenery]

I had the same problem, told my doctor, and got a different prescription that had no disgusting side affects. Just ask your doctor.

[dachsie]

Hi George my mum takes metformin & apparently it's known for causing irratble bowel syndrome. My mum moved onto slow release metformin, the tablets are HUGE like bloody horse tablets. It seems to have settled down a little although not perfect it's a great improvement. Ask your Dr if they can prescribe the slow release version. It may help.

This! I ended up on the time released capsules and that problem went away. There is a 750mg and 1000mg time release - ask him to switch you to one of those. But - you will also see a ghost capsule in your stools at some point. I always took mine at night. No more tho. WooHoo!

[BCmomabear]

It also can be strictly dose related. I would suggest you speak to a couple of Pharmacists as well. Are you watching your blood sugars, as the diarrhea can really throw them off. Take care!!

[angelamarie]

I tried taking it at two different times in my life for PCOS and could never get past the diarrhea. And that ghost pill thing was disgusting. *****TMI ALERT******* it is almost like they acted as a plug, then once they shot out into the toilet the flood of poo followed. Sometimes there would be more than one. I refused to take it anymore. Thank goodness I never developed diabetes, but it did nothing to help me at all.