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Is There Any Side Effect For Metformin?
I am taking metformin for pcos. Since i been taking it pretty much every stool has this oval either off white or translucent shaped object that comes out. I have never seen this in my stool except when i take the metformin. What is this and should i be concerned?
Tue, 31 Dec 2019
Hi,
Commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovarian disease, metformin is well tolerated by most of the patients however its common side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, deficiency of vitamin B12 and a serious condition called 'lactic acidosis'.
Based on the history given the 'oval-shaped white or translucent shaped' objects in the stool appear to be the outer shell of the undigested tablet of metformin.
The actual drug has been absorbed into your bloodstream and it is only the inactive ingredients that are expelled upon defecation.
This is a harmless effect which can be minimized by swallowing whole table without crushing, dividing or chewing it.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
Commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovarian disease, metformin is well tolerated by most of the patients however its common side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, deficiency of vitamin B12 and a serious condition called 'lactic acidosis'.
Based on the history given the 'oval-shaped white or translucent shaped' objects in the stool appear to be the outer shell of the undigested tablet of metformin.
The actual drug has been absorbed into your bloodstream and it is only the inactive ingredients that are expelled upon defecation.
This is a harmless effect which can be minimized by swallowing whole table without crushing, dividing or chewing it.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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