Metformin: I am on the maximum dose of... - Diabetes & Hypert...

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Metformin

bionicjohn profile image
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I am on the maximum dose of Metformin. I find the laxative, breathing and shivering side-effects to be debilitating.

My diabetes nurse is unwilling to change to an alternative so I have booked to see my GP.

She said I wasn't drinking enough water but I am drinking 3 pints a day. I am just flushing it through. She wants to give me an appetite suppressant which I am not happy about as I only eat twice a day as it is. Again, four visits to the toilet per day clears everything out.

I am physically active and my BMI is 26.

My hba1c is currently 51.

I need to get off this Metformin and take sonething better.

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bionicjohn
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fbirder profile image
fbirder

I stopped metformin myself because of those side effects. As I sad at the time, I don’t care if it lets me live five years longer if I have to spend them all sitting on the loo.

Now I’m on empagliflozin. It made me wee a lot for a couple of weeks, but I’ve no noticeable side effects now.

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62

It may be worth talking to the dispensing pharmacist. They might be able to recommend an alternative, particularly if you are also taking other medication, and then you have something specific to ask the doctor for

Cetus profile image
Cetus

bionicjohn When my HbA1c was 51 like yours, my GP suggsted I didn't take any meds as I often tolerate them poorly. I too had trouble with metformin but found that a lower than usual dose of another med was okay. In my case I found it was sitagliptin was tolerable but, of course, your reaction may be completely different. However it does show it's worth pursing alternatives.

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