Metformin side effects

Thanks for your input. Stay safe and healthy.

I have been taking metformin since last year of May 2024 I have type 2 diabetes and I never thought my body would have changes with this medicine.

Has anyone been told to take folic acid. I am not suggesting this. I ask only because my husband had it recommended by his PCP and rheumatologist. I am curious about this.

Have anyone of you who are taking Metformin has heard about Metformin causing pancreatic tumors or kidney failure? Thanks in advance

Nope.

A lot of people who take metformin may already have kidney problems because of their diabetes, though.

As for pancreatic tumors, all I could find was some research that may indicate metformin *increases* survival for those who already have certain pancreatic tumors.

Since it seems half the people on earth take metformin, adverse side effects would be well-known by now, I'd think.

I too have heard of kidney problems, but don’t know of their kidney history. I was on Metformin for 20+ yrs with kidney stones appearing.

Hello @naiviv, I combined your discussion with your previous discussion:

"Metformin side effects"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/metformin-side-effects/

You connected with many members in this discussion, @marycecena, @friedrich and @abid shared their experiences with Metformin and may have a though on your most recent question.

@scottrl brings up a point that many who are prescribed to take metformin may already have kidney issues as a result of their diabetes.

@naiviv - is this a side effect that you are concerned about? If you are comfortable sharing, have you discussed this worry with your prescribing provider?

Thanks for your input.

I have been taking Metformin 500mg once a day since Sept 2024. At the beginning I had some GI issues but I attributed to having oatmeal evetyday for breakfast. Now after 4months I decided to make an experiment by stopping oatmeal to see if my GI issues were caused by it. Well I still have them and even very soft stools, diarrhea in the morning ( I take Metformin after breakfast). Has anyone of you who ate taking Metformin or have taken it have diarrhea and active growling in the intestines? If you stopped it which medication got you better. It is a real nuisance believe me. I have to stay all morning at home until the growling of my intestines and the urge to go to the bathroom are completely gone.
My PCP told me that I have A1C of 6.5 with a blood sugar of 92. I am following a strict Mediterranean diet and exercise everyday. If anyone has any information I would like to know. Thank you in advance.

I've been taking metformin for years. I can tolerate 500mg x 2 daily, but beyond that and I have trouble.
Here's a thought:
Take 250mg x 2 daily. (Break the 500mg tablets in two.) One after breakfast, one after dinner.
See if that helps.
Good luck!