the pill is orange in the stool and swollen but still perfectly formed. Is this normal? Am I receiving the benefits of the metformin? My A1C was more elevated to 7.3. the number 7212 is on my metformin tablet. mfg: SUNPH Thank you.
I take 750 mg. metformin ER and am passing the tablet whole in my stool?
Question posted by ElsieC on 28 June 2010
Last updated on 16 November 2020
This question has also been asked and answered here: Sometimes my metformin comes out in my poo as a whole tablet. Today there were 3 tablets?
Answers
Marvell
12 July 2010
If you are passing the tablet whole in your stool then it is highly unlikely that the metformin is being absorbed, therefore unlikely that you are getting benefits from it. Does it happen after every dose or just a few tablets. Let your doctor know about this and either your doctor or you should contact the manufacturer and make them aware of this problem. If the tablets are really not disintegrating they should look at the formulation again.
VCascone
19 Aug 2016
I am a pharmacy student and that is actually a common misconception about this medication. I know this is 6 years late, but incase someone else finds this post and is having the same concern.
All metformin ER tablets are specially made allowing the medication to leak out of it in the gut to be absorbed and it leaves the tablet shell sometimes fully formed in the stool. If you are swallowing it, you are getting the medication, regardless of what you see in the stool.
Johnwinston
20 March 2020
My experience is that The pills do not fully get absorbed. Break them open and look inside. If there is no solid powder and it’s just a clear outer casing then you absorbed the medication. If you break it open and it is solid white inside then you did not absorb the medication.
Becaboo
16 Nov 2020
I have just begun to experience the same thing.
Related topics
Further information
- Metformin uses and safety info
- Metformin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Metformin (detailed)
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