Metformin : Hi has anyone had any... - British Heart Fou...

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Metformin

Auctioneerjim profile image
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Hi has anyone had any experience with the drug Metformin? I’ve been prescribed it but heard it’s got some nasty side effects??

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Auctioneerjim
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25 Replies

I take this as a result of my body not using insulin correctly which leads to episodes of very low blood sugar, rather than pre-diabetes or sugars being too high, and haven’t had any side effects at all in the 7 years I’ve been taking it. It’s been nothing but a positive for me. It’s also worth pointing out that what’s listed in the patient information leaflet for any med is every single symptom or physical issue reported by someone taking a drug, which doesn’t necessarily mean that the drug caused it, just that it happened at the same time. Normal saline that’s used to mix injections and given as an IV etc. is literally salt water. Our blood base is salt water with a higher concentration of salt than saline, and yet it still has a side effect list totalling 14 things. If I was to base my decision to take the various meds I do solely on the side effects listed patient info leaflet, I wouldn’t be taking any of them, but some of what’s listed will be correlative not causative.

Auctioneerjim profile image
Auctioneerjim in reply to

Thanks for that ! I agree we’d never take anything if you suffered all the side effects but I haven’t come across this one before and like to get a true gauge of what to expect !

Motorman profile image
Motorman

I was on metformin (otherwise known as metfartin) for several years, I suffered from bad flatulence and after trying various flatulence remedies I stopped taking it after consulting my GP. The side effects are related to dose and that can be up to 2 g (not typo 2 grams!) a day. When I stopped it made no difference to my blood glucose levels. I found diet and excercise have kept my BG in the normal range for a couple of years. We all vary, it might work well for you, I hope it does. John

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957

I have to take 4 x 500 mgs slow release daily.

I was warned that it can have some side effects (especially stomach related) but I have always taken them with food and apart from now and again I have no problems.

Griff-64 profile image
Griff-64

I take 4 x 500mg per day without any problems.I started years ago on one per day and it was slowly increased to 4.

My latest appointment with the diabetes nurse a few weeks ago was very positive.

Skertchly profile image
Skertchly in reply to Griff-64

Me same. 4 metformin a day for 20 years. The latest batch smells horrible for some reason. Still don’t like swallowing them.

Griff-64 profile image
Griff-64 in reply to Skertchly

Can't say I've ever sniffed them but I just had to after reading that.No smell with mine.

As for swallowing, I gulp my pills down in one go, there's one that tastes very bitter if it doesn't go down straight away so I do my best to make sure they do.

My OH starts each day with a cocktail of 17 pills and capsules which she takes in 2 goes, I have to smile when, 10 minutes later, she's still screwing her face up and shaking her head in disgust 😂

HenryTudor profile image
HenryTudor

I took Metfartin for a while until weight loss and change to my diet brought my BG under control. I had the trots for a week or so but soon got over that. Metformin has been in use for a very long time and is very widely prescribed.

Hi, I can't cope with it due to the side effects. The go put me on dapagloflizin (I think that's right), instead... No problem at all with that 👍

Renault225 profile image
Renault225

I've been on metformin for a couple of years now and have nothing but praise for it. My diabetes is under control, my sugar levels bang on target and No side effects. The stations I'm on however are brutal! Night twitches, chronic cramps everywhere. I've taken myself down to 1 every other day, but no real improvement.Best see the doc once they all return, if in fact they ever do.

Boxroad profile image
Boxroad

I have been on metformin for 20 years for my diabetes at the moment I am on 3 500g a day but at my worst was on 8 500g a day I also suffer IBS and have had no issues the the metformin

Caravan-lover profile image
Caravan-lover

Hi, my husband has taken metformin for several years for his type 2 diabetes, he has increased flatulence & suffered badly from thrush, the thrush being remedied by being circumcised at the age of 52 !

Joliv61 profile image
Joliv61

When I started on metformin I got the runs, should have started couch to 5k at the same time maybe…Anyway I had hardly any notice nor control. I got this changed to a slow release version and within a few days I was back to normal.

I usually take them with my evening meal but often forget so I’ll take them at night going to bed with a drink of water.

Beatles1956 profile image
Beatles1956 in reply to Joliv61

As above, but now take 1x500 morning and again at dinner time. Previous "ordinary" Metformin at least helped bring my weight down.😀

Carpbait profile image
Carpbait

Hi my friend, I am now on the 3rd different make of Metformin, my first prescription for this drug gave me terrible flatulence so bad it could clear a room , after the GP prescribe a different make I had upset stomachs, I was prescribe a tablet I was able to take with NO side affects but apparently they cost more to purchase than the current medication I take, so I can appreciate your concerns. Hope it all works out for you.

PurpleDeedee profile image
PurpleDeedee

Have been on Metformin quiet a few years now , only 1 x 500mg a day. Got BG done 3 weeks ago and it's went down by 5. Have had no side effects at all. Partner on 2 and he's not had any side effects at all.

rizal profile image
rizal

I have been on 4 x 500mg metformin for many many years. Always take with food. Have never experienced any side effects at all.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

My husband's type 2 diabetic; has taken Metformin for years with no ill effects at all except a runny tummy when he first started but that settled down after about 3 . weeks. The flatulence didn't - it's almost every step he takes, like a machine gun. He can't hear it and thinks no one else can. Thankfully it's not smelly.

Geoff51 profile image
Geoff51Heart Star

I was given standard metformin when I was first diagnosed diabetic, to be crude I had the worst bout of the shits for two weeks and lost a stone in weight! I was changed to slow release Metformin and have had no problems since I am now down to one per day maintenance dose, it is now called Sukkarto SR.

MONIREN profile image
MONIREN

I've taken Metformin for 20 yrs, no trouble unless they try the slow release one. Pharmacy said usually the first 2 or 3 side effects are the ones that will happen for a short period, the others might happen. Everyone is different and react differently. Hope it goes well. Take care. Moni

Stonechick profile image
Stonechick

Ask for slow release Metformin. Stops all the windy problems!!

nilmonisikdar40 profile image
nilmonisikdar40

As far as my knowledge goes it is one of the safest oral drugs for Type 2 diabetes where the body is producing enough insulin but is blocked at the pancreas which produce insulin. One of the great advantages is that it helps to lose weight and therefore helpful where obesity is a problem in Type 2 diabetes.

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957 in reply to nilmonisikdar40

Mmmm the weight loss thing isn't something guaranteed, some people lose a few pound some don't it isn't given.

stillaboveground profile image
stillaboveground

Hi Auctioneerjim, My husband was on an high dose of Metformin for a few months when he was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and it was reduced till he now doesn't need it anymore. he suffered hair loss when he was on it, his pillow was covered in hair every morning, no problem now he is off it.

Tez666 profile image
Tez666

I did when asked to take 2 in morning and 2 at night, terrible cramps in tummy, I persevered, but after 3 weeks of feeling sick and the pain in tummy I took myself down to one in morning and at night, along with food. Been ok since, im on slow release.