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What Causes Frequent Diarrhea While On Metformin?
Question: I am an insulin dependent diabetic. Type II - I use Lantus Ins. 38U in am - Metformin HCL 1000mg BID and Glipizide XL 2.5 mg in AM. Previously I was on Janumet but it is too costly -
Since going on the above 2 meds I have frequent diarrhea - usually within 2 hours after eating. Probably 4 days out of 7 - is this a side effect of the Metformin? It doesn't happen during the middle part of the day - usually 2 hrs after breakfast and 2 hrs after the evening meal.
Since going on the above 2 meds I have frequent diarrhea - usually within 2 hours after eating. Probably 4 days out of 7 - is this a side effect of the Metformin? It doesn't happen during the middle part of the day - usually 2 hrs after breakfast and 2 hrs after the evening meal.
Brief Answer:
It may be due to Metformin.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
Noted your concern.
Your abdominal symptoms may be due
1) Metformin side effect.
But you should understand that you were on Janumet before it also contains Metformin.
Your symptoms may be due increase in dose of Metformin.
In such case I may suggest to start Metformin with small dose like 500mg once a day with gradual increase in dose to 2000mg per day in divided doses over a period of 2 to 3 weeks.
2) Diabetic diarrhea.
3) Osmotic diarrhea due to high Fibre or sugar content of meals there is increased secretion in intestine which is responsible for loose motions after having meals detailed dietary history is important.
Also DPP4 inhibitors like Sutagliptin (content of Janumet) is a good drug for blood sugar control but daily cost varies from 30 to 40 Rs.
Teneligliptin is a alternative drug which has similar action with daily dose costing 6 to 9 Rs.
You should discuss this with your treating doctor.
Hope this helps you,
Regard,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
It may be due to Metformin.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
Noted your concern.
Your abdominal symptoms may be due
1) Metformin side effect.
But you should understand that you were on Janumet before it also contains Metformin.
Your symptoms may be due increase in dose of Metformin.
In such case I may suggest to start Metformin with small dose like 500mg once a day with gradual increase in dose to 2000mg per day in divided doses over a period of 2 to 3 weeks.
2) Diabetic diarrhea.
3) Osmotic diarrhea due to high Fibre or sugar content of meals there is increased secretion in intestine which is responsible for loose motions after having meals detailed dietary history is important.
Also DPP4 inhibitors like Sutagliptin (content of Janumet) is a good drug for blood sugar control but daily cost varies from 30 to 40 Rs.
Teneligliptin is a alternative drug which has similar action with daily dose costing 6 to 9 Rs.
You should discuss this with your treating doctor.
Hope this helps you,
Regard,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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