Information Required

[Jimbo]

Hi Guys, can you help with a little info, ok a lot of info please.
I recently was put on Metformin and tbh I am struggling to find ... a middle ground in my treatment, the organisation and daily routine if you will.
I know some of the ups and downs but not all and I am looking to try to maximise and control (oh what a lovely word)🙄 what I can and probably should not do.
Basically my doctors said take the pills three times a day with or after eating and that was it, however I need more information. I have found out that I can no longer do dairy with the tablets if, I want to stay out of the loo as the accompanying and dreaded brown laser effect is horrendous, as is the flatulence (if you dare take the chance). 😱
Is it best to take with breakfast, lunch, and evening meal or spread it out a little more?
Is it wise to have a late supper and take one with it just before bed?
Any help and/or suggestions about what works best for you and what doesn't may help me work out a better routine and improve my quality of life.
So, don't be shy, even about side effects, unpleasant or otherwise.
Thanks!

 

[MeganN]

Hi

I'm on 4 metformin a day. I take 2 with breakfast and 2 with evening meal.
I always take just before these meals as otherwise I get bad stomach pain. I also get horrific trapped wind pains and flatulence with the quick release form.
If you struggle with the gastric issues see if they will move you onto the slow release form as it has eased my discomfort.
Unfortunately everyone reacts differently to It so it is a trial and error thing

 

[Copepod]

How recently is "recently"? Many people find that unpleasant wind related side effects diminish in time, say over a few weeks.

Typically, doses start with 1 x 500mg tablet at breakfast for at least a week, then 1 x 500mg with breakfast and evening meal for another week, then 1 x 500mg with breakfast and midday meal and evening meal.

If you've been suffering longer than a few weeks, have you discussed slow release metformin with whoever prescribed for you? It's considerably more expensive than regular metformin, which is why it's not offered straight away, but it might suit you better.

 

[Jimbo]

Recently equates to three weeks Copepod, it was one the first week, two the second and three the third. First week was fine, no change to my routine, second week occasional wind pain, but still little change, third week all over the place 😱 (so to speak, not literally)
I was going to give it till this course was due for renewal before I spoke to the Doc about possible alternatives,I still have around two weeks worth of pills to get through. (Endure). However , I don't know if I can put up with another two weeks of this. I was beginning to think perhaps I was doing something wrong hence, the request for help/more information.

 

[Jimbo]

Hi

I'm on 4 metformin a day. I take 2 with breakfast and 2 with evening meal.
I always take just before these meals as otherwise I get bad stomach pain. I also get horrific trapped wind pains and flatulence with the quick release form.
If you struggle with the gastric issues see if they will move you onto the slow release form as it has eased my discomfort.
Unfortunately everyone reacts differently to It so it is a trial and error thing

Thanks Megan, I have been taking them after eating so, I think I will try before, as you do, to see if that will help. I don't know what type mine are (slow or quick release) but, will check with the Doc and we'll see what happens.

 

[Vicsetter]

Thanks Megan, I have been taking them after eating so, I think I will try before, as you do, to see if that will help. I don't know what type mine are (slow or quick release) but, will check with the Doc and we'll see what happens.

The slow release ones are usually labelled SR Glucophage. The others just Metformin.

 

[Jimbo]

The slow release ones are usually labelled SR Glucophage. The others just Metformin.

No surprises then as to which type I have been prescribed!

Yep! Metformin. 😛

 

[Caroline]

I spread mine over the day and take hem half an hour or so after I have finished my meal unless I am traveling.

I have also found it helps if I keep carbs and sugars low too.

 

[Jimbo]

I have also found it helps if I keep carbs and sugars low too.

😱 (Hangs head in shame), I know to keep the sugars low, I see people talking about carbs, is that things like white bread, rice, potatoes and pasta? ( very embarrassed to be asking what seems like basic questions) 😱 or is there an awful lot more to cover?

 

[Jimbo]

Another basic question probably, what does metformin actually do (in layman's terms please!)

 

[Caroline]

😱 (Hangs head in shame), I know to keep the sugars low, I see people talking about carbs, is that things like white bread, rice, potatoes and pasta? ( very embarrassed to be asking what seems like basic questions) 😱 or is there an awful lot more to cover?

Carbs, yes white bread, pasta rice and potatoes. Sometimes the basic stuff is not obvious so don't be embaressed.

You don't have to go without, I have converted my lot to brown rice and basmati rice, and whole meal pasta is nice. I like whole meal bread but no one else does.

Sorry if this sounds obvious, but we all need some carbohydrates in our diets so don't cut them out completely.

 

[alisonz]

I was put on Metformin 18 months ago on diagnosis, I had a very upset tummy and so went onto the slow release and had no trouble until 3 weeks ago when my GP put the dosage up from 2 a day to 4 a day, once again a very upset tummy so now I still take one twice a day (morning and night) but I have just this last few days been given Gliclazide to take in the mornings.
Have a word and see if you can have the slow release ones you may find them a lot better. Best of luck 🙂

 

[Vicsetter]

It's a long while since I took Metformin, but my wife has just been put on it at 3x500 per day and doesn't seem to be doing too bad on it. I went for a long time before I had problems and the Slow Release didn't improve matters, however I'm sure that some of the problems are to do with Fat and carb intake, perhaps someone else can shed some light on this?

 

[Jimbo]

Carbs, yes white bread, pasta rice and potatoes. Sometimes the basic stuff is not obvious so don't be embaressed.

You don't have to go without, I have converted my lot to brown rice and basmati rice, and whole meal pasta is nice. I like whole meal bread but no one else does.

Sorry if this sounds obvious, but we all need some carbohydrates in our diets so don't cut them out completely.

I love wholemeal bread, I can go through it like there is no tomorrow, but don't!
I used to get through white bread the same way but now I have on average two to three slices a week (only with particular meals). Rice I have almost managed to cut out, only about once a month now as a particular treat. (Getting very particular now) I'll need to try wholemeal pasta though I've never had it before.
Potatoes are going to be a problem 'cos I love 'em! but, I suppose needs must and I must moderate and minimise my intake.
Thanks for the help.

 

[Jimbo]

I've had a brain storm, up till now I have been lazy, getting help from other people, relying on them unfairly, I realise. I have been selfish, as well as deluding myself and being in denial.

You have all been most helpful and very tolerant, for that thank you.

Now, I must help myself
I need to learn all about my diabetes, learn to love it like queenbee01 says, then, I can have control

"Knowledge Is Power" the saying goes, well, at last I have learned that I need to know more.
It is my responsibility, no one else's.