Metformin and Hemorrhoids

[Brennan1974]

I have just started taking Metformin. When I started taking Metfomin (Standard Release) 1x 500mg tablet daily last year, and then slowly building up to 2 x 500mg tablets daily, I have found Im suffering from painful Hemorrhoids which I cant get rid of and although I take lots of other pills for high blood pressure. Although I cant definetely put it down to the Metformin, I tried taking them separtely from my other pills, and still feel pain within minutes of taking them. I have been to see my GP and he swappeed me onto slow relaese Metformin, but am still getting the same side effects.
Has anybody else had side effects of Hemorrhoids from taking these pills?

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with Haemorrhoids @Brennan1974

I am not aware that this is listed as a common side effect of Metformin, and in fact there os research suggesting that long-term Metformin may actually reduce the risk of getting them

Chronic Metformin Therapy is Associated with a Lower Risk of Hemorrhoid in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Metformin has anti-inflammatory property and reduces the risk of varicose vein in our previous study. Aim: To investigate the risk of hemorrhoid, another common disease involving the hemorrhoidal venous plexus, in ever vs. never users of ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diabetes itself can increase your chances of getting piles/haemorrhoids, and Metformin can quite commonly cause digestive upset and discomfort - though in most cases this is only short lived.

It may be worth asking your Dr for an alternative medication if your discomfort continues.

Have you made changes to your menu to help reduce your glucose levels? Getting your BG levels back towards the recommended range should reduce your chances of getting haemorrhoids in the future.

 

[trophywench]

Very basic question here - are you either constipated or the opposite, since starting them?

 

[Brennan1974]

The Former.

 

[trophywench]

It is the effect of physically evacuating too solid faeces from the gut, which causes piles ie going to the loo for a No 2 - so! try and drink more water for starters (and plain tap water's great but you can also have it flavoured with eg tea or coffee, sugar-free squash or whatever, just more liquid generally - and also a higher fibre diet until you're no longer constipated without causing yourself to go to the other extreme. If you can't sort it out within a week/10 days, please do get proper medical advice, especially if the piles are external ones protruding out from your bum.

Metformin has the reputation of causing diarrhoea - and passing offensive wind - and when it's too far the other way, this can also cause piles. They truly, literally, are a real PITA !!

 

[Nayshiftin]

I wrote reams cant say anything nice on Metformin. So ill not cmment.
Its cheaper even with iron tablets and uou can get haemorrhoid relief otc .
It is not the drug fior anyone with bowel problems.
Talk to your Gp there are other meds .
I cannot say more or I risk not promoting the drug everyone in the world with Diabetes type 2 should be on but Ii would rather die than knowingly take it. For me anyone with bowel
issues should not get a drug that gets rid of sugar that way.I say no more. Go back who prescribed and say and hopefully they will use their oath and not do any harm.
Its very uncomfortable and can make you feel sick so i wish you better and good luck.

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