Metformin users-how long have you been taking it?

candy43 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 11:14 AM

Thank you for help with this survey to help me determine how many years I can safely expect to be on Metformin.

1. How long have you been on Metformin?

2. If over a year, have you experienced any diabetic complications? ie kidney, liver, heart or any other organ

3. Other then side effects of having to use bathroom, and weight loss, are there any other side effects you've experienced?

4. I would also love to hear from those who have been on it over two years and how they are doing. Has it lost its effect? Are you having to diet and exercise more to get the same results.

Thanks so much and if this would be better off in a different thread, please accept my humble apologies and move it.

Candy

princesslinda · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 11:32 AM

I was on metformin the first year of my diagnosis. I asked my doctor to start Byetta after reading a Mendosa article that suggested it may help slow the T2 progress by regenerating islet cells. When I started on Byetta, I went off the metformin, as I found myself going too low after meals.

I had no problems tolerating metformin. I was started on 500 mg twice daily and stayed on this dose with good results. I did notice that if I ate "greasy" foods, i'd have diarrhea. I did lose weight, but at that time I also started execising and eating lower carb.

I have a coworker who has been on metformin for 10 years now with no problems, though she has had to add other meds to keep BS stable (she is not a very compliant diabetic).

Its a great medication for insulin resistance. If you need it and can tolerate it, don't be afraid to take it. Also, many have been able to get off it and stay off for awhile, then resume it when/if necessary for better control.

jillybean · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 11:53 AM

I haven't been on metformin for very long (2 months), but I can tell you I read about the possible side effects (gas, diarrhea, etc.), and I had my concerns. I tried to talk my doc out of putting me on it and letting me try just lifestyle changes alone first, but she insisted I get my levels down as soon as possible and then could possible work my way OFF the meds.

And so, I've been on met for about 2 months. I started with 500mg twice a day (so 1,000mg daily), and then she increased my evening to 1,000mg (so 1,500mg daily) because my morning fasting nunmber was always the highest reading of the day.

As already mentioned by someone else, I only experience the icky side effects if I have a meal that is not in my day-to-day healthy low-carb plan. For example, Memorial Day cookout at my parents'--spent a little time in the bathroom after having baked beans and stuff. As long as I stick to my food plan, the met has no affect on my bowel movements

Debbie Sue · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 12:07 PM

I've been taking Metformin for 5 weeks now. I find the diahrrea is an ok thing by me. My bathroom habits have changed considerably and the Metformin kicks in, laxative-wise, every couple of days. I also have had some strange feelings, like upper chest heaviness, achy muscles, an annoying little cough. The PA said those aren't symptoms of Metformin, but she didn't have a reason why I have them. She suggested a stress test. Said it possibly could be a partial blockage somewhere and my heart isn't getting enough oxygen. "Say what?" I'll be so glad when I get to see my endo in the flesh!

davef · #5 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 01:48 AM

I've been on it for 7 months now (has it really been that long, seems like yesterday). I'm taking 500mg twice daily. In the past 7 months I have only had 3 "Metformin Moments", when I ate a larger than normal meal and had taken the Metformin first. Horrible gas for about 30 minutes followed by a long visit to the bathroom.

I have found it has helped me lose weight as my appetite has really been cut, I have wondered if this is due to the Met or because my BG is now under control but I believe it's down to the metformin.

Other than my 3 moments (and that was about 5 months ago), I have had no nasty side effects and I tolerate it very well. I can actually take it without eating, but I've always been a little odd

fgummett · #6 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by candy43

...help me determine how many years I can safely expect to be on Metformin...

I'm not sure that an informal poll of other's experiences with a drug and their individual progression of D is the way to determine if it is suitable for your particular needs. Look at the other poll concerning statins... they work well without any complications for most, but seem to bring out the worst side-effects in others. As has already been said in another similar thread... Metformin is one of the oldest used, and safest drugs for Type 2 D. Choose between concern over side-effects and good BS control... what does your doctor recommend? Here's a discussion of long-term complications of D to help you decide...

fgummett · #7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 05:38 AM

Sorry if I seem harsh... I doubt any of us would choose to be on medications, and yes, many of them do seem to have side-effects BUT compared to what is likely to happen if I don't take my pills, I believe it is worth the trade off

Read up on your medications (I always get a full sheet or two of warning etc.. from the pharmacist, and do my own research on-line) know what side-effects to watch out for... but statistically you won't get the really bad ones, and if you do, then talk to your doctor.

kgm0612 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 06:06 AM

I'm a type 1 pumper who's been on Metformin for a little over 5 years now. My endo has kept me on it because he says studies show it helps to maintain ones weight. It has worked for me.......I've been the same 117-120-lbs all this time.

Karen

BigcityRich · #9 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 06:12 AM

I have been taking Metformin for 1.5 years since I was diagnosed. I started with 850mg three times a day. My doc insisted that I start slowly because of the side effects already mentioned. My only side effect was nausea. I have tried to get off of it and try other meds but the doctor insists that Metformin helps people with weight loss. I did switch to 750mg ER (extended release version). This has helped with the nausea. I have only been taking two daily for weeks now. I need to let the doc know next time I see her. I have adjusted well to it. I have met others that just simply cannot take this stuff.

pdxdennisj · #10 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 06:18 AM

I have been on Metformin for about 15 years. I have had no side effects that I can attribute to it. Since Metformin doesn't boost insulin production, it doesn't loose its effectiveness. It is commonly used with an insulin boosting drug that will loose its effectiveness as your beta cells wear out.

art · #11 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 06:34 AM

I've been taking Metformin and Janumet ( 1000 Metformin & Stilagliptin) for a little over a year . Twice a day.

I haven't ever had any of the side effects listed here.
I am very aware of side effects as when I was first diagnosed as a diabetic I was in complete renal failure.
So kidney and liver function is something I watch very closely.

But no weight gain. no gas and no diarrhea.

And taking pills sure beats shoving a needle in your tummy.

Art

Ronman · #12 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 06:54 AM

I was on Metformin for three months and felt badly every single day. Lots of headaches, stomach aches and a general heaviness in my chest. As a person who usually feels pretty darn good, I referred to it as my personal poison because that's what I felt like I was doing to myself. I am off it now for good.

princesslinda · #13 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by art

And taking pills sure beats shoving a needle in your tummy.
Art

A year ago, I would have agreed with you wholeheartedly. Now, after a year on Byetta, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. The needles are truly a "non-issue." However, that first stomach stick stressed me out like you wouldn't believe..UNTIL I actually stuck the needle in. Then, I actually wondered if it went in as I felt nothing.

I think everyone should be encouraged to TRY a stomach stick with a test pen. I did a stomach stick when first diagnosed (I work in a doctors office and we had a test pen with saline that a drug rep left). I wanted to see how it would feel before the time came that I had to start insulin..If they tried it once, people wouldn't dread the thought of insulin shots (or any abdominal shot) so much after that i'll bet.

Admittedly, I'd love to do it with no meds at all, but whatever keeps the #s in line, that's what i'll do. I've seen WAY too many diabetic complications in my family....I'll swallow a pill or stick myself in the stomach anyday to avoid them.

Petruchio · #14 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 10:24 AM

I have been on Metformin for over two and a half years. The only side effect I have ever had was a wee bit of gas. True, I can blow out a Birthday cake at 10 paces, but my A1C is 6.2. I am willing to put up with the backblasts for numbers like that.

jimhodges · #15 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 10:38 AM

I have been on Metformin for about 10 years. I don't remember my initial dose but I have been at 1000 X 2 for about 5 years. I have never had any issues with it. I have been on insulin for about 8 months now and I still take the Metformin and my A1c's have stayed at 6.8. I feel good and seldom have unpleasant "lows."