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Metformin

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Vetgirl

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi,
I've just joined this group. Newly diagnosed type 2 and have been on metformin for about 6 weeks now. Started on 1000mg once daily for first week and then increased to 1000mg twice daily after that. ( doc says they are slow release)
My question is that I'm still having bouts of diarrhoea at least 2-3 times a week and some nausea, so then my appetite goes.
Is this normal and do I still take my dose if I dont eat because of nausea as it says to take with a meal.
Any advice greatly recieved . Thank you
 
Hi @Vetgirl and welcome to the club that no-one wants to be in 😛
I'm afraid to say that digestive problems are quite a common side effect with Metformin, and I would have expected the GP to warn you about this. I was advised that if you persist the issues will gradually ease.
In my case, I found that they didnt - but I was taking the normal version, not slow release, and I had the opposite problem of loss of appetite and constipation. I was due to then go on to the slow release version which apparently causes lesser side effects, but thankfully I have been able to be off medication for now.
I must stress that people's experience with Metformin varies greatly, for those who have no side effects, to those like me where it was more problemmatic.
I suggest you persevere, but consult your GP or the diabetic nurse at your practice.
Regarding when to take them, I have seen others on the forum suggest taking them during a large meal. I was taking mine after breakfast.
Hope this helps, and good luck with it.
Nick
 
Thanks Cliff, you've been really helpful. I will endeavour to contact my GP again.
I'm fine some days and other days not.
You've been great, thanks again .
 
I was really ill trying to take a single tablet of Metformin and a statin, I threw them away. I have had no problem controlling my blood glucose without them.
 
Ive also seen quite a few times about taking them in the middle of a substantial meal.
 
Metformin SR (Slow Release) is much kinder than the standard version. It did leave me with the metallic taste for 6 months which is a well-known side effect.
 
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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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