Metformin side effects

Thank you.

@scottrl that suggestion has potential but we members here should not be prescribing or making dose adjustments suggestions to fellow members. It sounds like what you are doing works well for you. @naiviv could you run Scott’s idea by your provider before trying it? All meds have side effects. If you don’t adjust to them, your provider can adjust the dose or perhaps suggest something else that you can tolerate better. Your A1C and blood sugar sound really good. Congrats on the diet and exercise.

Thanks. I will.

I just started Metformin 2 days ago 500 mg twice a day morning and night, I had aspiration pneumonia and I was on prednisone for about 4 months 50 mg a day and it made me a diabetic, I noticed it gives me a lot of body pains and a really bad headache, is that common? I don't have any stomach symptoms at the moment.

All meds have side effects. Metformin is no different. All potential side effects must be reported in the drug information. It is good to be aware before starting a med. you may or may not experience the side effects. If you do, you may adjust to them over time. If not, a dose adjustment by your provider can help. Or there could be an alternative med that is better for you. Don’t give up. You aren’t alone. I’m sorry for the prednisone causing diabetes. steroids are a common cause of increased blood sugar. My hopes and prayers for you are that things will start to settle for you. Make sure these responses get accurately recorded in your medical history so that you get the best care moving forward.

Sorry for what you’ve been through. Metformin can cause stomach issues. I started it last year taking only one tablet a day and at the beginning I had stomach issues but these have faded with time. Every person is different and I have heard of people taking it without any issues. Prednisone increases glucose in blood dramatically and weakens the immune system. Hope you get better.

Because I am an Alpha1 Anti-trypsin carrier, MZ, affecting the liver, metformin built up to a toxic level and Glipizide caused my heart to race at 115 for weeks after I came off it. Januvia dropped kidney function from 64 to 44, which I gradually brought back to 59 over a year. Initial digestive problems are common, but watch out for hand tremors, racing heart or higher blood pressure. Know the signs of liver toxicity or acidosis. If the problem persists ask for genetic testing for liver function. I had to go on insulin.

Are you a prediabetic patient? I am. I stopped yesterday Metformin to check if it is causing my digestive issues and still I have some but I was taking Myralax daily and stopped it too. I don’t feel sick but my fasting BS in am has increased from 98 which was my normal to 111. I will keep checking my BS for a few days more as my PCP recommended it and depending how I feel I will go ahead and start Metformin because I don’t think it was the cause of my GI issues. The acidosis is what I fear with Metformin but I am taking only one tablet after breakfast. Thanks for your input. Stay healthy.

If you are dealing with several different conditions, treatments &/or medications things can quickly become complicated. This is why I would be very hesitant to start, stop or make dose changes without input from a provider who knows my whole medical history. Your provider knows of potential interactions that can occur when you are adjusting to a med or treatment change. S/he can also help you prioritize the steps and timing of changes you want to consider. You don’t want to change too many things at one time because it will be harder to evaluate the results.