Metaformin....

dangerkitty · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 09:55 PM

I know this topic has been probably discussed heaps, but I am on metaformin 2550mg a day and it has been killing my stomach. I was on it before, like 3 years ago, but didn't have the same affect.

I am sick to my stomach all the time, have really bad diarrhea and severe cramps at time. Does anyone know of something to at least aide in these side affects, or do I have to just push through it. It's been over 3 weeks since i started them and the side affects aren't subsiding

I have already lost about 5 kilos in a 3 weeks, and really dont want to keep losing that fast. I feel aweful

Cinnabon · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 09:58 PM

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects with metformin are nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea and loss of appetite. These symptoms occur in one out of every three patients. These side effects are related to the dose of the medication and may decrease if the dose is reduced.

A serious--though rare--side effect of metformin is lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis occurs in one out of every 30,000 patients and is fatal in 50% of cases. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are weakness, trouble breathing, abnormal heartbeats, unusual muscle pain, stomach discomfort, light-headedness and feeling cold. Patients at risk for lactic acidosis include those with reduced function of the kidneys or liver, congestive heart failure, severe acute illnesses, and dehydration.

liz32 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 04:14 AM

Hey dangerkitty, I would back off a little and for a while take a lower dose. It'd give your body time to get used to the met. I had a hard time just taking 250mg half a day. After a year I was able to up it will little to no side effect. You have my sympathy though, the side effects of this pill are horrible. I hope you feel better soon.
Liz

kgm0612 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 06:27 AM

I guess I am one of the lucky ones. In the 3 years that I have been taking Metformin, along with insulin, I have never had a problem with side effects. From what I've been told and what I've read, it takes a good 4-8weeks before the side effects subside.

It is very important to take Metformin with food. I take 500mg with breakfast and 500mg with dinner.

Karen

Phranky · #5 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 08:29 AM

Hi DK - guess I'm somewhat lucky, the side effects for me aren't that bad.

However, I've noticed a couple of things that seem to help.

You should start with a lower dose, and slowly increase over time. This is what I did and it made a difference.

Next big thing, you have to take it with food - it seems that the drug is absorbed primarily through food.

Now, the interesting thing, at least for me, is that if I eat anything that especially fatty, like some chicken wings, it tends to upset my stomach. I *think* that if you eat properly, the side effects are minimal, but the other day, had some fattier than normal foods, and again noticed that it hit my stomach harder.

Then again, I've heard for some people, this drug is just too harsh and they have to move onto another....

Hope this helps.....

dangerkitty · #6 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 02:38 PM

Thanks guys

I'm glad to know that some others have had side affects. I asked about lowering my dosage, and my Dr. doesn't want me to just yet. I have managed to keep my sugars at about 5-7 when for months while unmanaged I was upwards of 35. SO in the regard its better, but not sure I like the affects.

I enjoy it here already

liz32 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 03:56 PM

Since the doc doesn't want you to lower it I guess you can hold out hope that at least the side effects should go away in a few weeks..hope you can hold out! lol
Liz
Oh, and glad you like the place.

Peter Lee · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dangerkitty

I know this topic has been probably discussed heaps, but I am on metaformin 2550mg a day and it has been killing my stomach. I was on it before, like 3 years ago, but didn't have the same affect.

I am sick to my stomach all the time, have really bad diarrhea and severe cramps at time. Does anyone know of something to at least aide in these side affects, or do I have to just push through it. It's been over 3 weeks since i started them and the side affects aren't subsiding

I have already lost about 5 kilos in a 3 weeks, and really dont want to keep losing that fast. I feel aweful

Yup, I went through all the side effects in the book (except lactic acidosis!!). I managed to persevere although I felt very bad for a number of months.

Eventually all the side effects subsided and now I have none. I hope the same will be the case for you.

Jeannie · #9 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 10:40 PM

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who has these side effects. My stomach hurts me alot. I take Met..500mg in the am along with Glyburide 5mg, and the same doses each evening.

nancyaw · #10 (**permalink**) 02-26-2006, 12:26 AM

I'm still having a horrible time of it with daily diarrhea. It has become, at times (most), uncontrolable. I try and not stray far from a bathroom. I attribute this to the Metformin, although I have had days of normal bathroom habits! For the past month, it has been as though my old IBS has returned. I take 2000 mg a day, at breakfast and at dinner. I feel as though i'm in a catch-22......I need the metformin, yet the diarrhea isn't normal either. Dilemma!!!!!! Nancy

Peter Lee · #11 (**permalink**) 02-26-2006, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nancyaw

I'm still having a horrible time of it with daily diarrhea. It has become, at times (most), uncontrolable. I try and not stray far from a bathroom. I attribute this to the Metformin, although I have had days of normal bathroom habits! For the past month, it has been as though my old IBS has returned. I take 2000 mg a day, at breakfast and at dinner. I feel as though i'm in a catch-22......I need the metformin, yet the diarrhea isn't normal either. Dilemma!!!!!! Nancy

We've all been through this. Hang in there if you can until it subsides.

dangerkitty · #12 (**permalink**) 02-26-2006, 05:18 AM

Well I can understand hangin in there! I have made it through what I hope is the worst of it!

Now I just have to go back to my Dr. see if she is going to take me off and put me on insulin now that I'm pregnant!

Jeannie · #13 (**permalink**) 02-26-2006, 12:47 PM

found this about the pregnancy and Metformin...maybe it will be helpful to you?

• Metformin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Usually, your doctor will want to prescribe insulin to control diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take metformin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Metformin passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take metformin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Funnygrl · #14 (**permalink**) 02-26-2006, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dangerkitty

Well I can understand hangin in there! I have made it through what I hope is the worst of it!

Now I just have to go back to my Dr. see if she is going to take me off and put me on insulin now that I'm pregnant!

With those side effects I would want off metformin and on insulin all the time. Insulin doesn't have side effects like that.

dangerkitty · #15 (**permalink**) 02-26-2006, 07:02 PM

Thank you for that Jeanie! I am encouraged!