Metformin for Diabetes, Type 2 User Reviews (Page 3)

• Anonj
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 11, 2016

"My mother is on this drug, and it has done wonders for her. Her insulin is controlled, and she has lost a significant amount of weight on it. She is so happy and feels amazing on it. No negative side effects. Thank you, makers of metformin. The doctor who prescribed it was so knowledgeable, and he really helped my mom adjust and overcome the diagnosis."

• Trissy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 12, 2012

"I take 500 mg twice daily. Initial gastric symptoms passed quickly. No help in weight loss. Some help in lowering blood sugar. Main side effect is extreme tiredness and fatigue. Never feel like exercising. Stopped taking metformin a few times due to fatigue, but when sugar levels escalated to higher than before starting it, I got back on it and just put up with the tiredness."

• 99Ban...
• September 9, 2016

"On Metformin for nearly two years. In Canadian terms, my blood sugar is in the fives, this AM 5.1. I take 500 mg per day and have lost about 25 lbs since being diagnosed. Now I believe that comes from the pill, daily gym sessions, and a drastically changed diet. A hamburger bun is now a piece of lettuce, spaghetti now comes from zucchini, mashed potatoes are now mashed cauliflower, and fiber-based cereal is pretty normal for breakfast."

• Insom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2019

"When I was first diagnosed, my doctor gave me Metformin. After I took the very first pill, I had severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. I spent hours curled up in the fetal position, bawling my eyes out. I didn't care if it took time to adjust to the side effects. I tried one day's worth of the medicine and tossed the rest. My doctor went on to prescribe Amaryl. I'm sure Metformin is a great drug for some people, as it works well for other family members, but the stomach pain and vomiting were too much to handle. No thanks."

• aquadur
• January 18, 2017

"I have diabetes type 2. My doctor prescribed 500 mg two times a day. After the fourth day, I noticed my heart was racing, sometimes at 90 beats a minute. My heart had NEVER done that, as I am in excellent shape, a power walker/jogger. I knew that the metformin caused it because as I sat with my wife over supper, I took the 500 mg pill halfway through the meal. Within a few minutes, my heart was pounding almost out of control. My blood pressure monitor showed normal blood pressure, but a pulse of 101. I stopped the drug right away. The problem is that it takes 4 days for this damn drug's effects to leave the body. So now I am taking a sedative which lowers the heart rate while I wait for these 4 days to pass. I am a 67-year-old male."

• Tony
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 23, 2018

"Put on metformin in 2012 when I weighed 281 lbs and was obese. Told I had T2 diabetes and prescribed a 500 mg tablet twice a day. Lowered my A1C. Lost 31 lbs a couple years later, dose dropped to (1) 500 mg tablet and did very well on this dose for several years, keeping my A1C around 6.1 - 6.4. In May 2018, rushed to the ER in AFIB at 245 lbs, 59 years old. Ejection fraction at 21% in bad shape. Five days in critical care unit. Released on heart medications and told to lose much weight. Slowly started exercise up to an hour per day. Suffered severe side effect, lactic acidosis, thinking I had a heart attack in 9/18. Underwent another heart CAT for nothing at 210 lbs, having lost 35 lbs since May 2018. I had overdosed on the metformin 500 mg I was taking. My fault for not checking blood sugar daily! If you use it, be careful-check blood sugar daily should you change your diet, exercise, and weight. Blood sugar now within normal ranges without metformin."

• Calif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2017

Glumetza (metformin) "I've been taking Glumetza ER (500 mg) for three weeks now, and so far, so good. My levels came down to 85-115 within the first five days from 230. I take it with breakfast, but I'm thinking about changing it to dinner time because my numbers always go up while I'm sleeping. I sometimes get a slight headache about five hours after I take it, and right about the same time, have loose stools. It doesn't bother me as long as it keeps my numbers down. I've lost a total of 11 pounds since finding out I'm type 2 and using Glumetza ER. I'm 32, 180 lbs, 5'3", and a mother to two beautiful girls."

• Cheer...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 15, 2013

"I have been on the max dose for many years. I also am on insulin. I am not very healthy, I tire easily and have a lot of stomach problems. The more I read about the side effects, the more I realize that metformin is not that good for a person."

• FootMan
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2016

"Sugar still 170 ish. Taking 250 mg 2x/day with food and plenty of water. Was supposed to exercise also but can't due to stomach pain, very bad, achy joint, blurred vision, and did I mention stomach pain, very bad. If Dr. don't call me back today, I'm off this crap. I feel worse now than I did 2 weeks ago. Several times worse."

• Paulak
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2017

"I was on Metformin when I was first diagnosed with type 2. It had no effect on my A1C or my daily levels. I tried it for 2 years. I ended up with diarrhea all the time. They tried switching me to Metformin ER (SR), and that didn't help either. I then was switched to glyburide 5 mg, 2 times a day. The first dose dropped my blood sugar into the 50's. I called the Dr, she switched it to 2.5 mg twice a day. My A1C is down to 5.6, my daily levels are back to normal. Just because a drug is effective for one person, it may not be for another. Don't be afraid to ask questions."

• dobrmum
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

"I was prescribed Metformin for prediabetes 4 months ago. Month 1, I experienced awful gastrointestinal issues, to the point of opting to eat only at night when I was home because 20 minutes after eating required me to be in the bathroom for an hour. Months 2-4, I took Metformin extended release (which was not covered by our drug plan), no changes whatsoever other than worsening bloating/stomach pain and liquid diarrhea. Then my hair began falling out by the handful. Even my husband was noticing my hair all over the bathroom floor when I brushed. This is an awful medication, and all the alternatives seem to have terrible side effects too."

• Grumpy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2021

"Worked ok but horrible GI side effects and weight gain. Hours after taking it in the morning I had the feeling of a bowling ball in my stomach, sometimes accompanied by cramping. In the 3 months I took it I gained 20 Lbs which came off when discontinued. I know this is the most popular med for type 2 but the side effects are worse than the symptoms."

• Happy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2017

"I've been on 500 mg of Metformin twice a day since Nov 1 for T2 diabetes. Today is Feb 8, and to date, I have lost over twelve pounds without feeling like I've even tried. It not only helps reduce my appetite, but I also feel full sooner. I haven't had any terrible side effects, some mild diarrhea, but that's it."

• Anonymous
• January 27, 2012

Glucophage (metformin) "It works very well, and there are few side effects. My blood sugar will get low, but it does not drop like insulin can. I watch what I eat and maintain exercise, and my numbers are always good. I recommend this medication."

• Liz
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2019

"Been taking Metformin 750 extended once a day! Diet and exercise for 6 months by now. My A1C was 13, now is 6! With supervision of my doctor and keeping strict lifetime changes, this drop was possible! Side effects sometimes create gas! I feel tired, but I try my best to stick to my exercise program, some back discomfort! Mentally, I want to eventually not take the medication anymore, but I am not a doctor, I need to wait for her directions! People need to check their blood sugar levels daily so they know if treatments are working! Most importantly, research what you put in your mouth when it comes to your diet, it makes all the difference!!!!"

• Dibbles
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2014

"Newly diagnosed with diabetes type 2 from a HbA1c. No symptoms. Good kidney function, etc. My full blood glucose was 5.3/5.7 in the morning. Took half a 500 mg Metformin XR with my meal. 1 hour: tightness of throat/breathing, slight, but enough. Then a migraine aura like I've never had in my life. Followed by the worst dehydration headache ever for 24 hours, despite drinking plenty. Extremely thirsty and frequent urination, even at night. Diarrhea the following morning. Took another 250 mg, half a tablet the following day with the main meal. Next morning: pain around lower ribs, ache to liver & kidneys. Overlying muscles felt torn/pulled. Continued kidney/liver pain and loss of kidney function by urine test. Increased blood sugar readings duration of meds lactic acidosis."

• claudi
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 27, 2018

Glucophage (metformin) "Was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2005. I tried metformin, and it made me deathly ill. I practically lived in the bathroom for the month I tried it the first time. After that, I checked the Internet and found 2 other manufacturers of metformin. Both caused the same reaction. The doctor then tried the 'real' brand Glucophage. I haven't had any problems since then. I am able to control my sugar. However, I haven't been able to get the 'real' Glucophage in over 3 months. It is on long-term back order and not expected for 3 or 4 more months. I will die if necessary before ever going back to the metformin."

• Queen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2017

"A few days ago, after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I was prescribed Metformin 500 mg that my doctor wants me to take twice a day. Before taking this medicine, my fasting blood sugar levels ranged from 140-320. My blood sugar levels were very erratic, not to mention once my blood sugar got as high as 596 and 375. Plus, it felt like I had a stomach bug that wouldn't go away because my blood sugar constantly measured at high levels. After being on Metformin for only a few days, my blood sugar levels have started to stabilize, and my fasting range is now between 85-120. I genuinely feel a lot better because my blood sugar for the most part has started to stay in the normal range. Metformin has been nothing short of a miracle drug for me."

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2010

Glucophage (metformin) "My husband and I are both on this medicine. He takes 1000 mg morning and evening. I take the max at 850 mg each meal. We have to keep a packet of desiccant in the bottle to absorb the horrible fishy smell. We both have the side effect, even years later, of bloating, gas, and flatulence. We call this pill our 'gas' medication. But it lowers our blood sugar with few other side effects. If we're out, we take it on our return home if possible to prevent inflicting our flatulence on others."

• Pat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2023

"It lowered my blood sugars, but had some serious side effects. Diarrhea, explosive and uncontrollable. I have also had problems with my legs feeling like they were lead weights, did not go away after discontinuing treatment."

• Jambo
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 3, 2019

"I have been taking metformin 500 twice a day for 4 years with no side effects and with consistent blood sugar levels. Eating whole foods, exercising, drinking plenty of water, and drinking light tea will help me avoid some of the side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2016

"Fasting sugars still high. Even at an increased dose of 1000 mg/2x day. From day 1, I had diarrhea, which did not abate. Ended up with excruciatingly painful fissures and had to have surgery. Recovery time was awful. All due to metformin."

• Jcano
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 24, 2020

"I'm on this for T2 diabetes and PCOS. Yay me? -__- I've been on Metformin since I was about 10 years old. I'm 27 now, it always worked well for me. But I had been off it for a long time due to insurance and income issues. It never caused this explosive diarrhea back in the early 2000s! Thankfully, that side effect has subsided. I learned from some Cysters' (PCOS sisters) to take Metformin late at night, in the middle of a full meal, and drink a full glass of water. Imodium also helps, but I hardly even have to take that now. So, it lowers my A1C, aids in weight loss, gives me my cycle back, and helps with the facial hair some. I take the 1000 mg once a day. Fellow Cysters taking this for PCOS, I recommend you join a PCOS support group. It's blessed me greatly. :)"

• NO RXS
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2019

"I had a heart attack, and once they checked me over completely, I was prescribed 1000 mg of metformin twice a day. I was also told to exercise - how does one exercise and enjoy life while strapped to a toilet all day long? The metformin side effects are diarrhea, gas, stomach pains, and my doctor just says those are the side effects, there is not much he can do!"

• Jonwpb
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2019

"I was newly diagnosed with DM2 (diabetes mellitus type 2) in February this year. Been taking Metformin since then. I have daily nausea and no appetite. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It has dropped my A1C from 10.9 to 7.1 in the first month. I have also lost 30+ lbs from 265 lb. I am going to try taking the med at evening meal, eating half of the meal, take med then finish eating. I am on 2000 mg daily. Overall, it works, but the side effects suck."