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What Causes Stomach Pain And Diarrhea While On Metformin?
Question: I have type 2 diabetes, I was on metformin 500mg twice a day. Took them for 6days had stomach pains & diarrhea my numbers was good every morning & night. Doctor switch me to glyburide now i had a low blood sugar and my night numbers range from 126-161 was the highest never had this problem on metformin. I ask the doctor could i switch back to metformin and cut the pill in half or take one a day she said no if i switch back i have to take it twice a day which me 1000mg a day ...That's to much for me.I need a second opinion can i which back to metformin a take one pill a day. My alc was 7.0...only be taking medication for almost 1 month
Brief Answer:
there is slow release version as well
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Metformin can cause Gi upset, this is the most common side effect of this medication.
In some persons if the dose is started low and increased slowing, tolerance can occur.
The other options are the slow release metformin ( metformin xr, metformin sr), these are released over a 24 hour period, taken only once a day and because they are released slowly, cause less side effects.
If using a low dose of metformin and increasing slowly or using the metformin xr are not options then you can try the metformin 500mg once daily again if it can control your blood sugars especially since your HbA1c was 7 , which is good.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
there is slow release version as well
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Metformin can cause Gi upset, this is the most common side effect of this medication.
In some persons if the dose is started low and increased slowing, tolerance can occur.
The other options are the slow release metformin ( metformin xr, metformin sr), these are released over a 24 hour period, taken only once a day and because they are released slowly, cause less side effects.
If using a low dose of metformin and increasing slowly or using the metformin xr are not options then you can try the metformin 500mg once daily again if it can control your blood sugars especially since your HbA1c was 7 , which is good.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I thought so, i will take metformin once a day and monitor my blood sugar like i been doing. In your opinion is metformin better to take then glyburide?
Brief Answer:
one of the better medications
Detailed Answer:
HI
Metformin is normally a first line drug because it reduces the body's resistance to insulin, does not cause weight gain and does not cause low blood sugars.
It is one of the better meds available.
Would need to monitor your readings at different points during the day (one day fasting, next premeal lunch, post meal breakfast) to get an idea of general control
Please feel free to ask any thing else
one of the better medications
Detailed Answer:
HI
Metformin is normally a first line drug because it reduces the body's resistance to insulin, does not cause weight gain and does not cause low blood sugars.
It is one of the better meds available.
Would need to monitor your readings at different points during the day (one day fasting, next premeal lunch, post meal breakfast) to get an idea of general control
Please feel free to ask any thing else
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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