Metformin SR

[Delta Wizard]

Hi I have been on 2000mg of Metformin for 2 months (taking them as prescribed) and have been having problems with headaches and nausea. I have been to my diabetic nurse and asked if I could have Metformin XR. Instead she has put me on to Metformin SR, which as far as I can tell from the leaflet are basically standard Metformin - ie no improvement. Does anybody have any experience of Metformin SR (trade name Sukkarto SR) and its impact on side effects? TIA

 

[Leadinglights]

Metformin SR is a modified release form of metformin and should be kinder on the stomach. The metformin XR is an extended release but does not appear in the BNF (British National Formulary) so may not be available in the UK.

 

[DaveB]

I have Metformin SR. It is the Slow Release version and the same as XR. Metformin SR is generic and has several brands and I've had most of them over the years

 

[Leadinglights]

I have Metformin SR. It is the Slow Release version and the same as XR. Metformin SR is generic and has several brands and I've had most of them over the years

I thought that was probably the case just different terminology, slow release v extended release.

 

[Jacinta (Australian)]

I’m on the slow release verision and it’s easier on the stomach especially when you have food with it . I have gone from 500 to 1000 mg as it was suggested from the health professionals , there were concerned as I have ibs but if anything I haven’t hAd problems with it especially with my ibs it’s actually improved it if anything .

 

[grovesy]

Sukkarto SR is a slow release Metformin.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Delta Wizard

Sorry you are finding metformin is giving you unpleasant side effects.

Were you advised to gradually increase your dose up to the 2000mg over a number of weeks?

Some forum members have mentioned that they have found it helps to take metformin midway through a fairly substantial meal.

It may be worth persevering, as some find that the side effects diminish over the course of several months?

 

[Anbemcc]

Welcome to the forum @Delta Wizard

Sorry you are finding metformin is giving you unpleasant side effects.

Were you advised to gradually increase your dose up to the 2000mg over a number of weeks?

Some forum members have mentioned that they have found it helps to take metformin midway through a fairly substantial meal.

It may be worth persevering, as some find that the side effects diminish over the course of several months?

 

[Anbemcc]

Hiya stick with it, my experience is, I was put on the standard metaformin initially, advised all the usual slowly increase, well 6 weeks of hell followed I couldn't leave the house for the first 3. 6 weeks in I had had enough, spoke to DN I was given slow release, still felt awful, so I stopped taking them, only for a week. I started taking them again and truth be told not 1 issue. I'm not advocating stopping meds just a wee insight to my journey. Good luck x

 

[Felinia]

I had the same experience of Metformin SR as Anbemcc. I was put on SR as I have Diverticular Disease. The first 2 weeks were dreadful, so I stopped them for a week until I felt better. Then I started the slow build up again, and this time I'm fine 3 weeks in.