Question:
metformin

O.M.G ! Today was my first day taking this medication and an hour later i was in the bathroom dumping what seems like 2 cups worth of runny YELLOW poo. What just happened and is this normal???????    — candy L. (posted on February 14, 2008)

February 14, 2008
I've been taking metaforin for a few years and one of the side effects is runny pooh. The color may vary. But do not worry. If it continues talk to your doctor.
   — jeffkopp

February 14, 2008
It is with me ;-) I am supposed to take two in the AM and 2 in the evening after I eat. It does not always cause diarrhea but does often enough, it is usually the evening dosage that works on me all night. I usually know when it will happen as I get cramps and odd little "belly" feelings before the diarrhea or soft stools start. I have prescription for dicyclomine that calms it down and stops the cramps. I have learned that IF I need to go out for something important that I take only 1 tablet after I take my insulin. What embarreses me most is that distinctive odor that goes with the diarrhea. Nothing covers the smell up. I will be so happy to finally have my surgery and get off of this stuff. All of the oral diabetic meds affectme in one way or another...some cause so much swelling that walking is very painful...for some reason a side effect of many is ankle swelling and pain. Since this is a new med for you, your gut may settle down. If not report it to your PCP. Good luck!
   — Gena L.

February 14, 2008
That's happened to me--your sugar is probably TOO HIGH. Do you have a monitor to check your glucose sugar? If your really having symptoms please go to the ER! You're most important--Put yourself first.
   — Ambitious

February 14, 2008
So, I have some questions for you, are you type 2 diabetic, have you had surgery, or are you looking at that? What are your goals to better your overall health? I am an RN and a Nutritional Health Coach and I love to explore healthy solutions with people of all health challenges! If you want to do that, please email me at [email protected].
   — eacoffey

February 14, 2008
Metformin does cause diarrhea. It's a side effect that will lessen in time. It usually takes about 6 weeks of being on the medication. I can attest to this, as I was on it for many many years for another condition, not directly related to diabetes. I have PCOS, Poly-cystic ovaries and glucophage, or metformin helps regulate monthly menstrual cycles for many PCOS patients, as well as regulating blood sugar. There are some tricks to taking the medication that are worth knowing about. Never take it on an empty stomach, never take it with a dairy product, and depending on the amount you need to take, consider getting the Metformin XR, extended release. It's much milder on the tummy. When you take metformin, my suggestion is to take it with some kind of fiber filled carb...meaning a complex carbohydrate, such as a piece of 100% whole wheat toast. I was on 1500mg per day and the first few years was on the regular pill, not the extended release, and it did wreak havoc on my tummy. I lost about 70 pounds while on it too, as this was prior to my RNY surgery. I no longer have to take metformin or any meds now that I've had the RNY. Just be prepared that if you take the med in the first several weeks, that you're going to have to be close to a restroom, but like I said....it will get better and you will start noticing that you feel better too. It's amazing how watching your carbs and being on the medication will help you get out of a fog that you hadn't realized you were in. That's how it was for me. Of course, down the road I got back into the bad habits again and that's why I went in for the RNY surgery. Now I really get how I am suppose to do things to live a long and healthier life. Good luck and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Hugs....Cheryl
   — Cheryl K.

February 14, 2008
The first time I was on this it didn't bother me until about a year later and then the diarrhea started. They took me off it. Then several years later they put me back on it and I didn't have a problem. I haven't been on anything for my diabetes since 1 week before my surgery. That means I came off Metformin twice a day and an insulin pump which I was having to have the U500 insulin (5xs stronger than U100) because I was so insulin resistant. I was put on the pump because I was having to take at least 5 shots a day.
   — Brenda R.

February 14, 2008
I did the same thing until my body got use to the metformin. if get worse talk to your doctor.
   — carman