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metformin side effects

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shelley25

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Type 2
hi diagnosed 4 weeks ago, prescribed metformin increasing weekly to 2 x 500mg twice a day.
first 3 weeks no problems at all, when i upped to 4 pills a day the morning is fine but the 2 after dinner call for an urgent trip to the toilet about 1 hour afterwards, should i persevere or drop to 3 a day, and suggestions welcomed.
 
shelley25 said:
hi diagnosed 4 weeks ago, prescribed metformin increasing weekly to 2 x 500mg twice a day.
first 3 weeks no problems at all, when i upped to 4 pills a day the morning is fine but the 2 after dinner call for an urgent trip to the toilet about 1 hour afterwards, should i persevere or drop to 3 a day, and suggestions welcomed.
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Some people find when they up the dose they start to get stomach issues. Are they slow release as they might suit you better. You could see if 3 was ok and if it is the try the 4.
Are you also making dietary changes as you may find if you are that will do the trick with a lower dose.
See what your diabetic nurse says but don't suffer the stomach issue.
 
Sorry to hear you’ve had a bit if an upset tum with the increased dose @shelley25 :(

It’s not uncommon to have a bit of an upset stomach with Met, though for the vast majority it settles down after a few days.

Some of the tricks appear to be to take the dose(s) with a reasonably substantial meal, but not one that has too much carbohydrate in it. Also as @Leadinglights suggests, there is a SR version, which is generally easier on the tum.

Hope things settle down for you soon 🙂
 
Yes, my tummy was dodgy for a couple of weeks after I upped to 4 a day, but then it settled down. Trouble is, everyone is different. If you can live with the side effects for a fortnight it's worth it, but it depends on how explosive the side effects are!
 
I was one of those who's symptoms did not settle down, and were pretty bad on just one tablet a day.
Mind you, even now, 7 years later, the thought of taking Metformin really helps me avoid temptation, and the professional level carpet and upholstery cleaner is still useful now and again, though not for the same reason.
 
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