Metformin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "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!"

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• Ruf...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 11, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Originally started taking metformin 500 mg full strength. I suffered from diarrhea. Told doctor she prescribed metformin 500 mg extended-release doses. Worked perfectly, been taking them for years and extremely satisfied with results."

• del...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2014

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I got diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome when I was 16. I'm now 31. I've been taking metformin 1000 mg three times a day. I have lost 2 stones in 17 months. I still don't have a cycle and still get unwanted hair. I get lots of wind and diarrhea when I've eaten sugary food, so if you're taking metformin, watch your sugar intake."

• cla...
• August 19, 2014

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on metformin (the regular one) 850 mg once a day at night since May 2014 for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The first day I took it, I had the worst explosive diarrhea. I persisted with it, and it was giving me bouts of nausea, stomach cramps, poor sleep, and diarrhea. It has been 3 months now, and the symptoms have stopped. I think if you persist at it and definitely take it after a meal, it will be okay! My periods are still being artificially controlled with norethisterone daily, so I can't comment if metformin has regulated my menses, but I am hoping to stop the norethisterone soon!"

• cla...
• August 19, 2014

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been on metformin (the regular one) 850 mg once a day at night since May 2014 for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The first day I took it, I had the worst explosive diarrhea. I persisted with it, and it was giving me bouts of nausea, stomach cramps, poor sleep, and diarrhea. It has been 3 months now, and the symptoms have stopped. I think if you persist at it and definitely take it after a meal, it will be okay! My periods are still being artificially controlled with norethisterone daily, so I can't comment if metformin has regulated my menses, but I am hoping to stop the norethisterone soon!"

• Ult...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 6, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Metformin is very good at maintaining blood glucose levels, but the diarrhea has been a problem for me since taking it 3 times a day, 1 pill per meal. I found that eating a fresh green salad with no-fat salad dressing a day, and a dose of Imodium loperamide, made for the 'trots', cuts down that problem. I have a tremendously bad problem with morbid obesity and have not noticed any weight loss, but perhaps I'm glad that it can! I am very limited in physical exercise due to a spinal cord injury, degenerative arthritis in my spine, several problems with my legs, broken bones, etc. I used to hike a lot, but can't now. Hypothyroidism doesn't help. Hard time."

• Lon...
• October 2, 2011

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have just been diagnosed with having polycystic ovary syndrome. Before the diagnosis, I put on about 40 lbs just out of the blue within 8 months. I also had excess hair on my face, stomach, and legs, and I only had about 6 periods in the last year. I went for a pelvic scan, and for the last 9 days, I have been taking metformin (500 mg twice a day) under the doctor's orders. Something is definitely happening because I had a period within 5 days of taking the medication, and I've lost about 4 lbs in the last week. The side effects were annoying. I had a lot of gas and diarrhea for about 3 days. The side effects seem to have passed now. My overall experience with metformin is fairly good so far. I am looking forward to seeing more results."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. I'm on metformin 1000 mg twice a day, but the diarrhea is so bad I take the full 2000 mg at once at night with food, and I am up at least four times in the AM going to the bathroom. So I can't take it early because it keeps me going to the bathroom, and I wouldn't be able to work. It's been about a month. I get my blood levels checked again in two more months. I hope I am able to keep taking it that long. I wonder if the diarrhea is why people lose weight on this, because during the day while at work I am afraid to eat."

• cco...
• December 8, 2011

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was put on metformin in April 2011 when I was diagnosed with diabetes. First, I was taking 2 x 500 mg once a day with the evening meal. Now (December 2011), I am taking 4 x 500 mg twice daily. The main side effect has been horrible diarrhea throughout! So I am regularly taking Imodium to cope with it. My A1C has gone down 1%. So for me, it is a toss-up, yes, blood sugar has gone down, but now I have to take diarrhea medicine plus use diaper rash ointment. I would like to try something else so my butt could heal!"

• sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "This medicine does wonders with making my blood sugar lower; however, I had extreme diarrhea and I felt nauseous for a while. My doctor put me on slow release, and while it helped me with diarrhea, my blood sugar would always be higher, so I switched back to the regular kind, and I am still having extreme diarrhea. Other than that, this medicine is great."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• Dib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• Lik...
• January 11, 2020

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Like most of you, diagnosed with PCOS. Gained lots of weight that can't seem to shed. Bad acne around my chin and jawline. Also a few thick facial hairs. I am also 28 and want to start a family. Been on birth control pills and honestly was going nowhere with it. Crazy heavy periods that last a year or so. Been off BC and no period, guess it's better than the long heavy ones. Seeing everyone's reviews gives me hope to lose unwanted facial hair, acne, and weight, and also to get my cycle ready to conceive. 2nd day on metformin, so crazy side effects yet just loose stool."

• Bam...
• August 22, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "Pre-diabetic. Placed on Metformin. The first day, severe diarrhea, but after that, nothing. I take 500 mg twice a day at breakfast and dinner. Don't crave sweets as much, which is great, and when I do eat, I feel full fast. Don't know about any weight loss, but I do feel a lot better since taking Metformin. But I have only been taking it for two days. Other than having diarrhea the first day, I have no other reactions. I drink plenty of water and sparkling water too. I'm also getting in the habit of eating healthier."

• Jil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2019

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "My PCP prescribed this after I've had fluctuations in my A1C for a couple of years, despite diet changes and weight loss. It definitely has decreased my appetite and helped me lose a few pounds. Some issues I have with it are increased fatigue (I already have CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), so didn't need this), diarrhea (I already have mixed type IBS, sooo...) and increased muscle pain (I already have fibromyalgia, etc., so didn't need this either). I'm going to try to stick with it, but not sure for how much longer."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 10, 2019

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "Started taking Metformin ER 2 years ago for insulin resistance but found out later I also had PCOS. First time taking Metformin, I had severe diarrhea that was uncontrollable. Now I always take it with dinner, and this seems to have resolved that issue. To be honest, not sure if I physically feel any different. My numbers look better from blood tests, but I don't feel a difference when taking it."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2013

For Female Infertility "I must be the small percentage who seems to suffer all side effects. I have had diarrhea, sweats, insomnia, stomach pain, weight loss, and the list goes on. I'm on 1.5 pills per day and have to find a way to work myself up to 3 pills a day. I suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis and am hoping this will help with that and my infertility."

• Jr9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2016

For Female Infertility "Tried IVF 4 times to no avail. Took this the fifth time, and it worked! I was never diagnosed with PCOS. Don't think I have it. Don't know why metformin worked, but it is awesome. Makes me feel full and gives me diarrhea, but whatever."

• Dar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "Besides the diarrhea, my experience has been great! I was diagnosed in July with an A1C of 11.2! I self-diagnosed, called the doc, and told her I thought I was diabetic. Keep in mind, I never knew what an A1C was until that day, I was pissed! When I asked my doc what my A1C was in December, she told me 6, never, ever saying, 'Hey, you're pre-diabetic.' They tried to also put me on insulin, and I told them to kick rocks. Three months later (two days ago), my A1C is down to 6.7! Down 4.5 points! I'm hoping in three more months I can get it down to 5.5. That's my new goal."

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2011

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "The only issue with this medication for me was the stomach upset, gas, and diarrhea. However, the positives totally outweigh the negatives. After 6 months with no period and working out 3-4 days a week with no weight loss, it took 2 weeks on 1000 mg/day of metformin to have a period and lose 5 lbs! I noticed that the stomach upset is worst when I eat something heavy or fatty. I continue to work out and am anxious to see where I will be a year from now."

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I went to my OBGYN and got diagnosed with PCOS. She didn't do blood work, but she did do a vaginal ultrasound, and we got to see all my little cysts on both ovaries. I had so many on both of them that we couldn't count all of them. Since my husband and I have been trying to conceive for 9 years, my doctor put me on a 'combo' medication, as she calls it. She put me on Metformin 850 mg a day and on Radiance 20, which is Drospirenone-Ethinyl Estradiol, for 1 tablet a day. I'm supposed to take it for 3 months, then do Clomid for 3 months. If nothing happens, then I have to repeat everything again for the same amount of time. I started my treatment 2 weeks ago, and I still haven't gotten my period, and I'm getting concerned. As for my symptoms, I've had mild diarrhea, less hunger, lower abdominal cramping, breast tenderness, and lost 3 pounds. I'll update when I can! Thank you, everyone."

• One...
• July 30, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "My blood sugar was extremely high (403), and metformin 500 mg was prescribed for a 30-day period to aid in getting the blood sugar levels lowered. Within a 24-hour period and after taking 1000 mg, my blood sugar readings were down by 89 points to 314. I've just started on this road, but so far it has been helpful. The side effects for me have been minimal: severe diarrhea, light headaches."

• Blo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I am 31 years old and was diagnosed with PCOS 2 weeks ago. I had my period regularly when I was 14 for one year. I haven't had a period since I was 15. I was put on Metformin 2 weeks ago. In the first week, I lost eight pounds. My husband and I have been married for 5 years and are trying to conceive and have been unsuccessful so far. I'm really hoping this will work. I take Metformin 500 mg 2x a day. I only had dizziness, upset stomach, and diarrhea for the first week. These have all subsided."

• big...
• April 16, 2011

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm male, 52, and a Type 2 diabetic, now on insulin. I have been a diabetic for 11 years and took glipizide for eight of those years to successfully control my glucose levels. When my PCP moved away, I had to find a new one. My new PCP switched me from glipizide to metformin. As much as I tried to carefully titrate onto the medicine, metformin left me feeling bloated and with chronic diarrhea. My body simply would not tolerate metformin. I ended up seeing an endocrinologist, and he switched me to insulin, and I am VERY happy with that move. My glucose levels are under control, and I don't have to deal with any adverse effects. The pen-needle injections hurt less than a finger prick, so going on insulin has not been a problem at all."