[retired60]

Hi , I'm a new member. since my heart doctor put me on 40 mg of Lipitor and my PCP increased my Glucaphage to 1000x2 daily I have been having excessive bloating and diarrea. My numbers are always good with the last a1c at 5.3 and total cholesterol at 101 neither doctor wants to change anything. Anyone out there know of a possible way to minimize the effects of taking these?

[Cassini]

Glucophage can definitely cause some stomach upset. If you eat carbs with it, it can get worse. I have been taking it for a couple of months now and it was about 2 weeks of feeling rather under the weather.

Since then, only when I indulge in carbs. It also took about 5 weeks to start really helping. They say every time you get an increase you can get the tummy problems again.

Your numbers sound great to me, what type and how long have you been diabetic?

Welcome to the forums, you have found a great place for valuable information, great people and lots of help and friendly atmosphere.

Hope to hear more from you soon,

Cass

[retired60]

I've been T2 since 1993. I can take half the Lipitor and make it okay or take half the doseage of Glucaphage and stay away from the bloating and diarrea. But a reduction with either does make a difference in the numbers. At this point I'm at 500 mg of Glucaphage x2 daily and 40 mg of Lipitor, but with the reduction in carbs I tend to lose weight, in which I don't need to do at 6'' ft and 162lbs

[princesslinda]

Many find the "extended-release" Glucophage helps with the GI symptoms, as it has a slower release time, thus minimizing the symptoms. See if your doctor will change you to metformin-ER instead.