Metformin

[Gucci69]

Been taking this for approx month 2 x 500mg per day. Will the explosions stop? Also the smell is disgusting, is this normal? Will I get benefit from this medication ?

 

[Ljc]

Hi. I think after 2 months with those horrid symptoms it’s time for a change. ( I assume you are taking them directly after or whilst eating a meal which is said to help reduce those side effects)
Their is a slow release version that some people tolerate better .
So do speak with your nurse ASAP.

 

[Gucci69]

@Ljc its been one month now approx. I have a review in one months time so will enquire about the slow release. Why does it do this. Is it releasing fat?

 

[rebrascora]

Hi

It helps to take it mid meal with a substantial amount of food to reduce the chance of those side effects but yes they are normal although not everyone suffers them and if they do, they often settle down or become less frequent as the weeks go past. There is a slow release version which is less disruptive of the digestive system if you cannot cope with the effects, but it costs more so they start you off on the cheaper option and see how you get on.
As regards benefitting from it, if you are Type 2 then you should see an improvement in your readings, but what is more effective is eating a low carb diet and using a Blood Glucose Meter to self test and tailor your diet around your body's response to food. This also produces less unpleasant (antisocial) side effects than the medication although constipation can be a problem until your system gets used to a new food regime.
Have you been given information on self funding a BG meter and how to use it? They are relatively inexpensive (approx £15) and most of us find them invaluable. As a Type 1 diabetic using insulin they are required to provide me with one and test strips on prescription because insulin is a potentially lethal drug, but for a Type 2 diabetic on Metformin, there is no risk of going dangerously low, so if you want one, it needs to be self funded.

 

[ajax]

Metformin still makes me ✻windy✻ after nigh on 14 years.

My physician ℞'d the ✻Slow Release✻ version ..which made a marginal difference only.

Then I picked up a tip from the 'letters' page of Balance magazine ..charcoal tablets ..which made a marginal difference only ..a few months later, another correspondent suggested trying peppermint oil capsules ..which have made a significant difference for me (fortunately I get these on prescription.)

The triangle of regular exercise, sensible diet and Metformin ..has kept my diabetes in a ✻holding pattern✻ ..but I don't know which factor is doing most of the heavy lifting.

 

[merrymunky]

It took a good few months for mine to settle down. I haven’t had a ‘metformin belly’ in quite some time now...although I’ve gone the other way in pregnancy and sometimes just can’t go at the moment.

I was getting the dreaded tummy multiple times a week initially. I should maybe have switched to slow release but I stuck with it and it did get better.

 

[Toucan]

Metformin still makes me ✻windy✻ after nigh on 14 years.

My physician ℞'d the ✻Slow Release✻ version ..which made a marginal difference only.

Then I picked up a tip from the 'letters' page of Balance magazine ..charcoal tablets ..which made a marginal difference only ..a few months later, another correspondent suggested trying peppermint oil capsules ..which have made a significant difference for me (fortunately I get these on prescription.)

The triangle of regular exercise, sensible diet and Metformin ..has kept my diabetes in a ✻holding pattern✻ ..but I don't know which factor is doing most of the heavy lifting.

Hi Steven,
Thanks for the tip on peppermint oil capsules. I haven't tried these but I do usually have a cup of peppermint tea after each meal. It hadn't occurred to me before but this may be why I don't get the 'after effects' from the metformin.
Well done on staying in the 'holding pattern' - It is a fair bet that it is the balance of all of the triangle that is keeping you there, not just one of them.

 

[toni french]

Hi,
They say if you can tolerate it, it is the best med for type 2??? I can’t tolerate it as normal or slow release! And trying to find a med to stabilise my bg is hard( well seems to be?) !!! If you can stick with it do try, if not be proactive in your care! X

 

[Brando77]

I've been on Metformin for nearly 2 years. Never had stomach problems except for wind....then again, never bothered me.....bothered other people for sure though.

 

[Gucci69]

Hi

It helps to take it mid meal with a substantial amount of food to reduce the chance of those side effects but yes they are normal although not everyone suffers them and if they do, they often settle down or become less frequent as the weeks go past. There is a slow release version which is less disruptive of the digestive system if you cannot cope with the effects, but it costs more so they start you off on the cheaper option and see how you get on.
As regards benefitting from it, if you are Type 2 then you should see an improvement in your readings, but what is more effective is eating a low carb diet and using a Blood Glucose Meter to self test and tailor your diet around your body's response to food. This also produces less unpleasant (antisocial) side effects than the medication although constipation can be a problem until your system gets used to a new food regime.
Have you been given information on self funding a BG meter and how to use it? They are relatively inexpensive (approx £15) and most of us find them invaluable. As a Type 1 diabetic using insulin they are required to provide me with one and test strips on prescription because insulin is a potentially lethal drug, but for a Type 2 diabetic on Metformin, there is no risk of going dangerously low, so if you want one, it needs to be self funded.

Thanks Barbara

 

[Gucci69]

Metformin still makes me ✻windy✻ after nigh on 14 years.

My physician ℞'d the ✻Slow Release✻ version ..which made a marginal difference only.

Then I picked up a tip from the 'letters' page of Balance magazine ..charcoal tablets ..which made a marginal difference only ..a few months later, another correspondent suggested trying peppermint oil capsules ..which have made a significant difference for me (fortunately I get these on prescription.)

The triangle of regular exercise, sensible diet and Metformin ..has kept my diabetes in a ✻holding pattern✻ ..but I don't know which factor is doing most of the heavy lifting.

Thanks Steven I will invest in some peppermint capsules

 

[TwoTone]

Hi all. Just wanted to remind you of a side effect of long term metformin use, and that is vitamin B12 uptake. After 13 years of taking metformin I had a B12 test which showed a deficiency. The effects of B12 deficiency is actually to mimic worsening T2D symptoms. It causes a drop in red blood cell count which in turn causes the HbA1c test to give a false high value. Another side effect is to cause lower limb numbness!! Strongly recommend to have a B12 check once a year - the deficiency occurs over a period of years.

 

[Gucci69]

I

Hi all. Just wanted to remind you of a side effect of long term metformin use, and that is vitamin B12 uptake. After 13 years of taking metformin I had a B12 test which showed a deficiency. The effects of B12 deficiency is actually to mimic worsening T2D symptoms. It causes a drop in red blood cell count which in turn causes the HbA1c test to give a false high value. Another side effect is to cause lower limb numbness!! Strongly recommend to have a B12 check once a year - the deficiency occurs over a period of years.

Since taking metformin ( 8 weeks approx ) I have tingling in my toes.

 

[Wirrallass]

Hi @Gucci69. Everything you say about Metformin is true unfortunately but some people can tolerate it.
I took 'Metfartin' for two weeks when I was dx. The side effects were awful so my GP prescribed a slow release version saying the side effects wouldn't be as harsh. But after a further four weeks of being 'housebound' I took myself off this medication as I just couldn't tolerate it. Instead I decided to follow a low carb & exercise regime and my GP was happy with this when I told him at my next appointment. Without taking Metformin I reduced my dx Hba1c of 52mmol/mol to 33mmol/mol which theoretically meant I wasn't Diabetic anymore but...... I'd rather believe that my Diabetes was more in remission.
I'm sorry I can't advise you as to your tingling toes but I'm tagging @Ljc as she may be able to help.
Take care
WL

 

[Gucci69]

Hi WL thanks for the reply. Yeah some days I’m finding metformin tough. Last night was exceptionally bad. I have only took 1 tablet today because yesterday was unbearable. I will ask my gp for slow release when I am due new ones and will discuss the tingling. Well done for getting your numbers down .

 

[Ljc]

I

Since taking metformin ( 8 weeks approx ) I have tingling in my toes.

It’s unlikely to be Metfartin causing your tingling, but it can be diabetes related.
It would be best to mention your tingling toes to your diabetes nurse, as they can arrange to do a proper foot check to find out the cause. High blood glucose can cause nerve nerve damage overtime also nerves can be painful when they are repairing themselves their are other causes though.

TBH . As your having such I tough time with Metfartin, I suggest you don’t wait till you need a new prescription to speak with your Gp, I would contact them now,

 

[Gucci69]

Hi lin, I have my first foot and eye hospital appointment on Friday and nutritionist appointment Monday so should have a lot more information next week. I think you are right I should try and get on the slow release quickly.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hope the gastric upheaval resolved with the SR version @Gucci69, and that you get some information and reassurance about your toes.

 

[Gucci69]

Thanks Mike

 

[Drummer]

I had bad reactions to the Metformin and Atorvastatin - stopping them probably saved me life and my sanity - but as far as I can tell I never needed them in the first place. I burnt the diet sheets which dictated a diet high in carbs, went back to what is basically the Atkins diet, and everything is just great.