Diabetes, Type 2 - I have taken metformin on and off and each time I have severe bowel disturbances?

24 Oct 2009

You need to talk with your doctor and explain that the side-effects of the metformin make you reluctant to take it. There are other oral hypoglycaemics availabe and your doctor is the best person to suggest a different type.
See: http://www.drugs.com/condition/diabetes-mellitus-type-ii.html - you can click on individual drug names to view more details about uses, cautions, side-effects etc

12 Jan 2010

Talk to your doctor about the extended release formula of metformin. (Metformin ER). Often times, this has less adverse bowel effects. Also, take your metformin at dinner time with food.

Finally, try adding a probiotic to your daily regimen.

Good luck. Usually, bowel issues with metformin disappear within two weeks or so... so if you can stick it out, you'll be fine.

25 Aug 2011

I have the same problem with glyburide/metformin. I too get diarrhea and frequent gas etc. I told my doctor about this and he prescribed glipizide with metformin for me. I still have not taken it yet. Im kind of leery of side affects. One thing I know is glyburide does lower my bs well. I just wish oral diabetes meds didn't have stomach side affects.