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How Long Does Metformin Take To Leave The System?

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Posted on Sat, 18 Jun 2016
Question: I have been taking 500mg metformin daily for a year. I know it builds up in the system so how long does it take to completelt leave the system if I quit taking
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Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
A week

Detailed Answer:
Within a week, metformin is practically eliminated from the body.

It is not true that metformin builds in the system. It is not as if it is stored in the body for long periods of time after one stops taking it.

So if you are thinking that having taken it for a year, it would require more time to exit compared to someone else who has taken it for shorter length of time, then that is not the case.

Indeed there are certain medications which do get stored but metformin is not one of them
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)
Does the body go through any kind of withdrawal from stopping the metformin ie gastrointestinal issues, etc
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
No, this has not been known to occur
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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How Long Does Metformin Take To Leave The System?

Brief Answer: A week Detailed Answer: Within a week, metformin is practically eliminated from the body. It is not true that metformin builds in the system. It is not as if it is stored in the body for long periods of time after one stops taking it. So if you are thinking that having taken it for a year, it would require more time to exit compared to someone else who has taken it for shorter length of time, then that is not the case. Indeed there are certain medications which do get stored but metformin is not one of them