Metformin ER

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2004
Metformin ER
14
Thu, 04-08-2004 - 8:37pm
I think I have a faint memory about why I had to stop the Metformin when my PCP gave it to me for weight loss (I think) two+ years ago.

I am experiencing stomach aches, nausea, feeling of weakness, flatulence, constipation, and general fatigue.

What say you about all this from those you either take it, have taken it, or have much needed information?

I'm going to give it another 3-4 days to see what happens. I have the Glucopaghe XR, and will probably try it before I call my doctor. May call the PA the beginning of the week anyway. I sure feel miserable.

0'(

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Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: kathi313
Fri, 04-09-2004 - 1:34am

Hi Kathi,


Cleo is helping me type this and she doesn't spell any better than I do!


It takes two weeks to get used to the metformin and then the side effects calm down. See if you can hang in there that long. Unfortunately with the sustained formular there is only one dose size so you can't decrease the doseage. Do make sure you have something in your stomach before you take the meds. But beleive me it does get better if you can tough out the first two weeks.


By the way, there are now 6 owl babies. I managed to see one of the youngsters yesterday. Cornell has sent the artists a new computer that will provide for clearer pictures but requires more bandwidth. So they may have to pay for that and conversely they may have to charge us for watching. But until taht happens enjoy Mother nature at her best.


iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2004
In reply to: kathi313
Fri, 04-09-2004 - 1:48am
I've been watching them 1-2x/daily.

Thanks for the info on the Metformin.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2004
In reply to: kathi313
Fri, 04-09-2004 - 8:54am
Hi Kathi!
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2004
In reply to: kathi313
Fri, 04-09-2004 - 7:42pm
Thanks. I just wish it would stop1
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
In reply to: kathi313
Sat, 04-10-2004 - 12:10am
Hi Kathi! I've never had any side effects with any of the different types of Metformin or Glucophage, and I've been on them all. A friend of mine was on Met and Glucophage before for PCO (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and had to stop because of the terrible side effects she was having still after 2 months. She started back on them a couple of months ago and is only taking 500mg a day and is ready to stop again because she'd rather have cysts than the constant upset stomach and diahhrea she gets on the meds.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2004
In reply to: kathi313
Sat, 04-10-2004 - 4:53pm
Fired turkey? Have never had it that way, but a lot of people in AZ do it that way in their back yards.

Thanks for the invite. Yes, I know I'd feel welcome with your family.

Have a wonderful Easter.

:-)

Avatar for happyscrapper40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: kathi313
Sat, 04-10-2004 - 5:34pm
I am on day 22 of doubling my metformin from 1000mg. to 2000 per day. It will get better- mine has JUST gotten better this last week. Still have the occasional diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence, but the gut bustin' hurting bad feeling has gone away. I also started taking it right after I eat, instead of before like the pharmacist told me. That has been the biggest help. I at least feel like I am going to LIVE now!

Happy Easter! I haven't experienced any weight loss, but my bs numbers are the best they have EVER been. Michele H.
Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: kathi313
Sun, 04-11-2004 - 1:13am

Michele,


That pharmacist needs to look at the PDR again as it clearly states that you are not to take metformin on an empty stomach. What amazed me was that you feel badly when the doseage is increased even though you have previously been on the meds. That was my experience also and I had been on drug for 3 years. But it did stop and I have been okay since then.


Have a Happy Easter.

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40


Co-Cl Diabetes Board


Avatar for happyscrapper40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: kathi313
Fri, 04-16-2004 - 12:09am
You would think they would label the prescription that way too. I had taken samples to begin with from my PA and took them after dinner, then when I got my prescription filled (had to go to the pharmacy when I hit the 1000 mg. size!) my dh asked the pharmacist when I should take them and he said 15 min. before dinner. Dh and I had another arguement last night about this when he said I needed to take it before dinner and I told him a hot place would have to freeze over first! I still have stomach pain sometimes, but I think some of it now is gas or when I have an empty stomach. I noticed it on Monday when I went back to work after being off for 10 days- I ate breakfast (cheerios & milk) at 6:00 am, and at 9:30 am I was hurting. My first break is at 10:00am, and I try not to eat in front of the kids unless I have something to share, and I had to break out the chips for the kids so I could eat some crackers. I felt better after that. I am having a terrible time drinking as much liquid as I used to- I can't get more than a few ounces of diet cola down at a time (maybe three or four ounces!), and I can only drink about 8 oz. of water at a time. I used to drink a 20 oz. bottle of water about five times a day. I am lucky to be able to drink half that amount per day. Dh said I am being very wasteful- I will open a diet pepsi and take one sip and leave it. Told him it was good- might make me give up caffeine for good. I am worried about getting enough water this summer though- when it gets hot. Michele
Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: kathi313
Fri, 04-16-2004 - 1:05am

Michele,


One of the things I noticed was that I wasn't able to eat or drink the same amount as I was before I started on the metformin. Of course the eating less helped me lose weight. I lost like 8 pounds the first two months I was on the drug and I have never been able to eat as much as I did before starting the drug. I am not one to drink much in the way of fluids and this is a real issue because of dehydration is a constant worry for me. What you will find me doing is sipping all day a mug of tea, a diet soda or a bottle of water, ultimately all of it at room temperature! I do take mugs of ice to work with me and hope to keep whatever I am drinking cold for as long as possible. I don't drink much diet soda so I don't have to worry about losing the carbonation.


You really do need to have enough fluids on board before you begin to feel thirsty because by the time the thirst hits you are already dehydrated. So I suggest that you get used to having something to take a swig of on your desk if you feel comfortable drinking in front of your students.


I hope this helpful and that you feel better real soon.


Cheers,

Mary Frances


cl-maryfrances40


Co-Cl Diabetes Board


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