How can I stop the side effect of diarrhea caused by Glyburide/Metformin, Onglyza, etc???
Question posted by tink_58 on 11 March 2013
Last updated on 11 February 2017 by Raleighgirl
When first diagnosed with diabetes, I was given Victoza, and had no noticable side effects. My dr added Metformin, 500mg 2xday, because my AC1 was still 7, and gave me Lisinopril to protect my kidneys (my BP is fine). I started having diarrhea not long after beginning the medication. He then took me off Victoza, changed the Metformin to Glyburide/Metformin 5/500 3xday, and put me on Ongylza, 5mg 1xday, which I started this past Friday. He told be to take Imodium for the diarrhea if it was really bothering me... so I did. That was this past Thursday. That stopped it all right, no bowel movement for 4 days. Today, the diarrhea came back with a vengeance!! I should note that I also take Zoloft, Levothyroxine, ZyrtecD, Prilosec, and a baby aspirin every day.
I'm sorry my question is so lengthy, but does anyone have any ideas on how to get the diarrhea under control? I should also add that since taking the most recent cocktail of meds, my BS has come way down.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
8 Answers
RA
Raleighgirl
11 Feb 2017
My Dr suggested I take Berberine instead of Metformin because of the stomach upsets. It's a newer alternative. Also my primary Dr stated that when beginning Metformin, to only take 1 pill a day for a week or two, then slowly add the evening pill in. That allows your stomach a chance to adjust. I had no major problems with it except the 1st day. After that was fine mostly until my cycle. Then Metformin magnified x10 the stomach upset I already get at that time! Now I'm trying the Berberine and counting calories to lose weight and get off of these meds if I can.
Votes: +0
DL
Dlgmize
10 Dec 2016
I have read that metformin literally makes food run through your body quickly so it doesn't absorb sugar. However this can cause poor nutrition. I have dropped 6 lbs in the first 3 days of taking it. I take 1500 - 2 in the am and 1 in the pm. I feel like Sigourney Weaver in Alien. My stomach and intestines are exploding. I was on a much lower dose three years ago without this problem. Not sure how much longer I can stand this. I guess what I am reading here I need to eat smaller and more meals which I already heard is better for weight loss. And all the sugars stored up are being flushed out of my body. I eat eggs almost daily and will try stopping that as well. I gave up dairy except for yougurt months ago so I know that's not it. Drinking lots of water to counter the dehydration. Check Gatorade cause there may be a lot of sugar in it which isn't going to help your problem.
Votes: +0
MA
mapleann
11 Dec 2014
I take Metformin EX Release, I was taking 500mg 2 tablets twice daily but diarrhea and stomach problems get in the way. My doctor told me I can take one pill in the morning one pill in the afternoon and one pill at dinner and one at bedtime if needed. I think I had to much sugar in my system which could have cause me to have the diarrhea. There are times I don't know what to do when I have this problem it seems I can't eat anything with out my stomach acting up please does anyone have any advice. I drink gatorade to keep me from becoming dehydrated please help me
Votes: +0
TO
tomkinsrichard
14 March 2013
My initial prescription was 1000 mg twice daily. I had also been taking Psyllium laxative. After many, and I mean many, of the most horrible bouts of explosive diarrhea, and I mean uncontrollable and most horrifically explosive, I stopped the Psyllium, and the problem was reduced. I dropped the does to 500 mg twice daily. The dose is now at 500 mg three times daily. Things seem stable. My stools are like a thick cement toothpaste at times, rarely solid, sometimes extremely watery. I am eating more fibre than ever before, and as for sugars, have dramatically cut those down, I examine the food labels almost religiously, putting almost 80% of the stuff I pick up, back on the shelf at the store. I am now enrolled in the local weight management clinic, my first appointment coming up next month and I hope to reduce my weight and get off the damn drugs and live a healthier longer life. Metformin affects everyone and some with a really bad vengeance. See a dietitian, plan meal menus, stick to the regime and it should get manageably better.
Votes: +0
AN
ang1049
12 March 2013
I have this same problem!It never fails to give me this horrific side effect.You did not mention if you were taking regular Metformin or Metformin XL.I do know the XL,is better at reducing the side effects of diarreah and stomach problems.I changed my Metformin to the Metformin XL.Instead of 3,500 mg XL I am prescribed...
I take 2.I also added cinnamon capsules.1000 mg.I take them several times a day.It promotes Sugar Metabolism.and also Heart & Circulatory Health.I never take immodium to stop the diarreah,unless I have to leave the house.I also drink Pedialyte to restore fluid and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.It doesn't taste great,but better if it is kept really cold.If I take immodium,it only is only a temporary solution anyway.I do know the XL has the benefit of reducing these awful side effectsYou said your A1C is 7.That is not perfect,but really not bad!You may find by adding the cinnamon or even Holy Basil could take the place of one 500 mg Metformin.The HolyBasil is hard to find,I had to ask my Pharmacy to order it.But it works really well to lower glucose naturally as well.THIS IS ONLY MY PERSONAL OPINION!.Always discuss with your Doctor about changes you want to make to your health care plan..And make sure it is safe for you,with the medications you are prescribed.Reporting vitamin supplements is just as important as your medications.Interactions between supplements and medications can be dangerous.Your Pharmacist is a great person to ask, just to be on the safe side.Good luck!
Votes: +0
EN
endlessPred
12 March 2013
Be careful about dehydration. I have had this problem as well due to medications. Three months without a stop. The doctors knew. I was not able to take anything with magnesium because of how it interfered with a variety of meds. Your A1c sounds good. My Endo says under 8 is doing a good job. Glad your meds are straightened out.
I was tested for C Diff once it went through the second month. Not the problem. Metamucil could be very effective, or any of the other psyllium products. Yogurt also helps. Apples, whole grains. No sweets and I have found aspartame sweeteners trouble with diarrhea. Keep the doctor posted. They are busy and lose track of time. You will be better. Karen
Votes: +0
SU
suzanne66
12 March 2013
Make sure to take your Glyburide / Metformin with meals. It doesn't matter when you take Onglyza. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking a natural fibre laxative each morning such as psyllium. Psyllium is helpful to treat both constipation and diarrhea. It works by absorbing liquid in the intestines and swelling to create a softer, bulky stool that is easier to pass. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/psyllium.html
Votes: +0
TR
tryingtobehelpful
11 March 2013
High quality probiotics are amazingly effective at preventing diarrhea. I recommend HMF Forte by Genestra.
