Hello everyone, thank you for allowing me to join the group.

[john111]

I'm on my second week of Metformin tablets and have developed severe daytime leg cramps when standing and walking, Yesterday the gp prescribed Quinine tablets for the cramps, are cramps a common reaction to Metformin? Do the Quinine tablets help? I'm thinking of stopping the Metformin tabs until I can see the Diabetic nurse after the holiday - Has anyone had the same or similar scenario ?

 

[Leadinglights]

I'm on my second week of Metformin tablets and have developed severe daytime leg cramps when standing and walking, Yesterday the gp prescribed Quinine tablets for the cramps, are cramps a common reaction to Metformin? Do the Quinine tablets help? I'm thinking of stopping the Metformin tabs until I can see the Diabetic nurse after the holiday - Has anyone had the same or similar scenario ?

There are a few things that can cause cramps, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, your feet being cold, vitamin deficiency in particular B12.
I find magnesium gel rubbed into my calves helps and some people find compression stocking help.
If you have had any stomach issues with the metformin (diarrhoea is common) that could make you dehydrated.
Look at your product leaflet to see if it mentions it as being a side effect.

 

[Inka]

Welcome @john111 🙂 I second the magnesium gel. Also, if your blood sugar is or has been high, it can mess up your fluid balance. You could try a sachet of Dioralyte. I had a spell one Summer when I had awful cramps every day. The magnesium gel every night for a few weeks and a daily Dioralyte sachet for a few days sorted it. Also, get a home glucose meter and do some testing just to see how your blood sugar is. Keeping that in range will help.

If you haven’t got the slow-release Metformin, get your GP to swap you to that as it’s gentler on the tummy.

 

[john111]

There are a few things that can cause cramps, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, your feet being cold, vitamin deficiency in particular B12.
I find magnesium gel rubbed into my calves helps and some people find compression stocking help.
If you have had any stomach issues with the metformin (diarrhoea is common) that could make you dehydrated.
Look at your product leaflet to see if it mentions it as being a side effect.

Hi - thank you for the sound advice, I will definitely give the gel a try

 

[john111]

Welcome @john111 🙂 I second the magnesium gel. Also, if your blood sugar is or has been high, it can mess up your fluid balance. You could try a sachet of Dioralyte. I had a spell one Summer when I had awful cramps every day. The magnesium gel every night for a few weeks and a daily Dioralyte sachet for a few days sorted it. Also, get a home glucose meter and do some testing just to see how your blood sugar is. Keeping that in range will help.

If you haven’t got the slow-release Metformin, get your GP to swap you to that as it’s gentler on the tummy.

Hi the slow release tabs sounds a much better option as well as the gel - many thanks