Metformin is one of the most frequently prescribed prescription medications to treat diabetes, providing effective management of blood sugar and improving overall health benefits, but can cause side effects including diarrhea.
Diarrhea due to metformin typically does not last long and can usually be easily treated, however if symptoms persist you should speak to your physician regarding lower dosage or possibly alternative therapies.
Causes
Metformin can cause diarrhea as one of its side effects; typically this does not last long-term and usually improves with time as your body adjusts to it; but in some instances diarrhea may indicate that the medication is not working as intended. In such instances, you should consult your healthcare provider as this could indicate an issue.
Metformin works by slowing the liver’s breakdown of glucose and increasing absorption by the intestines, helping to manage blood sugar and avoid weight gain. Furthermore, this medication alters bacteria in the gut which could potentially cause diarrhea symptoms in some individuals.
As part of taking this medication, it is advised that you drink lots of fluids – particularly water – to prevent dehydration which could exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. If the diarrhea continues, seek medical advice immediately.
Assimilation of fiber into one’s diet may also help combat diarrhea caused by metformin. Foods high in fiber such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables may reduce digestive strain; one option that may help is the BRAT diet (bananas, rice apples toast).
Metformin type can also play a part in whether or not you experience diarrhea. Extended release versions tend to have less side effects than regular tablets and are typically labeled with either “ER” or “XR” on their packaging.
Additionally, it is wise to avoid certain foods which could exacerbate metformin-induced diarrheal symptoms, such as sugary beverages like soda or fruit juice that increase insulin resistance or fatty foods that could upset stomach. Furthermore, alcohol should also be avoided since this can contribute to lactic acidosis.
In 2019, the FDA issued a warning about certain extended release metformin products containing high levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA has been found to increase liver cancer risks among rats, and may do so as well among humans. If you’re concerned, speak to your physician and request another brand of medication.
Symptoms
Metformin is one of the first medications doctors recommend for treating type 2 diabetes. It helps the body use insulin more effectively and lowers sugar in the blood, while slowing production in liver and stomach. Available by prescription as pills to take with meals as well as liquid solutions, Metformin can also improve cholesterol levels while decreasing risks associated with high blood pressure. While Metformin may not cure diabetes itself, it does significantly reduce heart disease risks as well as kidney problems while improving cholesterol levels and decreasing high blood pressure risks.
Metformin can cause gas and diarrhea as side effects. They typically appear when starting the drug but should diminish or go away as your body adjusts to it. If these side effects become bothersome, seek medical advice immediately.
Metformin may cause lactic acid buildup in your bloodstream, potentially life-threateningly low blood sugar (also called hypoglycaemia). If this happens to you, seek medical assistance immediately by calling your doctor or seeking emergency help immediately – symptoms include weakness, unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, unusual sleepiness, stomach discomfort and nausea or vomiting.
Not all medications can interact well with metformin; so always speak to your doctor before beginning any new therapies that could impact how it works or increase side effects.
Pregnant women should only take metformin after consulting their physician; not enough studies have been conducted to show its effects on fetal development.
Metformin may be prescribed by doctors in certain instances to manage symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an ovular condition related to diabetes that leads to irregular periods and excessive hair growth. Metformin can improve ovulation rates and promote regular periods among women who don’t have diabetes while helping decrease insulin and blood sugar levels, thus improving fertility and increasing fertility rates; when combined with birth control pills or weight loss surgery treatments it can effectively manage PCOS.
Treatment
Metformin-related diarrhea tends to be mild and short-lived; however, if this side effect persists for longer than expected it could be an indicator of infection or cancer. It’s essential that any doctor be informed if diarrhea persists as this could be an early indicator.
Metformin-induced diarrhoea can best be treated by discontinuing use and giving your gut time to recover, according to your doctor’s recommendations. A high fibre diet can aid in this regard and it’s also wise to remain well hydrated as this drug may lead to dehydration.
Metformin may cause other side effects, including stomach discomfort such as pain, gas, and bloating; and may leave some people with an unpleasant metallic taste in their mouths. Over time these side effects should improve and can be alleviated by eating smaller meals more regularly and taking it with food.
Avoid foods rich in sugar such as fruit juices, soda and sweetened yogurt to help alleviate symptoms of inflammation in the gut. Fatty, fried foods and alcohol may irritate your stomach even further, so opt for lighter options like lighter options that are easier to digest. If metformin side effects become intolerable for you, your doctor may suggest alternative medications like sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors such as canagliflozin (Invokana) or dapagliflozin (Farxiga). These medications work by eliminating glucose through kidneys and urine; hence decreasing blood sugar levels without altering how your body breaks down glucose production in any way.
Chronic diarrhea is one of the leading reasons patients discontinue taking their diabetes medicines, leading to poor treatment adherence and an increased risk of serious complications such as heart disease and kidney failure. To avoid diarrhea while taking metformin, extended-release tablets can be switched for, which spread absorption across all digestive tract regions while decreasing local concentrations while increasing tolerability; additionally adding protein-rich foods into diet as well as taking medicine with meals will further decrease side effects while taking it with the largest meal each day can also help.
Prevention
Metformin users rarely experience diarrhea or other digestive side effects when taking this drug, since its main effect is helping clear excess glucose from their bodies by being eliminated through their intestines and thus helping avoid fatal build-ups of lactic acid that could otherwise develop over time. Furthermore, metformin also reduces blood sugar levels which leads to decreased insulin resistance and thus helps promote weight loss and reduce insulin resistance while simultaneously helping promote weight loss.
Diarrhea from metformin is usually temporary; however, some patients have reported chronic diarrhea after long-term use. Although rarer, chronic diarrhea does occur and most individuals can manage it with minor lifestyle adjustments; nonetheless it may cause significant discomfort and embarrassment.
If you want to avoid this side effect, the key is eating a well-rounded diet which includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, healthy fats and whole grains. Also try to limit beverages high in sugar like soda and fruit juice, while fried foods may exacerbate stomach upset; avoid alcohol which increases risk for lactic acidosis.
Another way to prevent metformin diarrhea pcos is to monitor your blood sugar carefully during times of exercise or illness, and take your prescribed medications as directed. Speak to your physician if any new or worsening symptoms appear;
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking metformin. It can cause premenopausal women to ovulate more freely than normal, increasing the likelihood of unintended pregnancy. Consult your physician prior to trying for pregnancy so they can provide other strategies for controlling your diabetes during this period.
Please also notify your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, as well as taking any other drugs that could interfere with metformin’s effectiveness, such as cimetidine, digoxin, vancomycin trimethoprim or clopidogrel. These could affect how your body processes metformin so it may be necessary to adjust dose or discontinue usage altogether.