Metformin and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Ana...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking metformin for 5 months now and I am losing a bit of my weight. However, one thing that concerns me is that I am having diarrhea all the time. The worst part is that if I am going out for a walk or groceries, in the middle of these situations, I really need to go to the toilet straight away, otherwise, I will have an accident. This is really disturbing for me because some parts of my daily life activities are affected. I need to stay home or make sure that I am near a restroom if I need to go somewhere. I don't know if other people with type 2 diabetes are experiencing the same issues. Thank you."

• Ivy...
• March 7, 2021

For Female Infertility "If you take the medication with food you'll avoid an upset stomach, avoid processed sugar (metformin basically just makes you expel it) and you'll avoid the worst diarrhea of your life. I started taking metformin in January 2019 for infertility and PCOS symptoms. It helped regulate my period. Within 2 months of taking it (coupled with a dietary change of no processed sugars), I lost 40 lbs in 4 months and I was pregnant by April 2019. Started taking metformin again to help with PCOS symptoms for ovulation in October 2020 (between then and March total weight loss 50 lbs) pregnant positive March 2021. My doctor believes it's a combination of the metformin for ovulation and weight loss making it easier to get pregnant. Hope this helps you on your journey."

• Coo...
• March 15, 2015

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "Life changing! 500 mg 1x/day, and low-carb diet (7+/- servings a day and when I started, I was 375 lbs). Very compliant, 60 lb loss in 60 days, added daily hour of cardio (Zumba), continued and in 24 months lost 150 lbs. ALL side effects of metformin are indicators that you're eating too many carbs. A doctor that prescribes metformin that doesn't also prescribe a low-carb diet is being absurd. I've been amazed at how many people I've talked to over the years that have had that happen. Diarrhea, nausea, metallic taste, all mean you're eating the wrong things! They're not a reason to quit the meds. They're proof you need to eat low carb. 7 years later, still down 100, and increasing dose to continue losing."

• Ave...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "So far, Metformin has been a wonder drug for me. I'm dropping weight, not hungry at all, and my energy levels are up. I'm taking one with each meal. I'm losing 5+ lbs a week, and it's all from my stomach fat. I've had one bout of diarrhea, but that was in the first 3 days of use, and when I took 2 in the AM versus 1 with each meal. I do think I need to drink more water with this prescription as it seems to slow bowel movements down. No other issues. I'm taking a blood pressure medication and B-12 supplements with it. And a multivitamin."

• Sis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I tried regular metformin and the extended release, and my stomach just cannot handle it. I had severe stomach cramping and uncontrollable diarrhea...meaning when it hit, there was no warning and no time to get to the bathroom. I tried with meals, with milk, without meals, and nothing could allow me to tolerate it."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "This drug gave me terrible stomach cramps that would start 3 hours after each dose, followed by watery diarrhea for hours! I searched for answers and suggestions and found one to be my saving grace! Eat half your meal, take your pill, and then finish your second half of the meal. This equals no more stomach cramps and no diarrhea!"

• Ash...
• March 30, 2015

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I've only been on Metformin for about a month and a half. I've lost about 12 lbs, which is pretty cool because I've never had any success with calorie counting or different diets. I do have stomach cramps, occasional diarrhea, and dizziness, but nothing too bad. I'm only on 500mg twice daily. I'm actually really amazed with this medication. It makes me feel fine, I have my energy back, not constantly craving sweets and caffeine. Overall, I have to give it a ten."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2023

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I hadn't been to the doctor in years for a regular checkup. I noticed that over the course of 10 years, I had steadily gained weight despite eating fairly healthy. I chalked it up to menopause and stress. I went to my PCP because I was having anxiety issues. She ran labs. I was told that I was 'obese,' my A1C was 6.4, and my glucose was 100 (I had just eaten lunch). I was put on a 500 mg dose with dinner. I haven't changed my diet, I was already eating fairly healthy, but I have lost 10 pounds in 10 days! I was light-headed the first few nights and had loose stools around day 3. But other than that, I feel great! I will report back after my next A1C check in May."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Took Metformin 500mg twice a day for 5 weeks and I really wanted to stay on it because my insurance covered the total cost. By the second day, I developed diarrhea. Daily trips (more than 10) to the bathroom increased because of bad diarrhea. I took the medicine with a meal that included bread, but the extreme diarrhea persisted. Weight dropped from 196 to 189 lbs. Had a problem with increased thirst and constant dry mouth. Glucose still increased to 255. Alternated taking Pepto Bismol and Imodium AD for days trying to control diarrhea. I was concerned about leaving home because of the severe diarrhea. I started to feel dizzy. My mood became negative and I wondered if absorption of my antidepressant was being affected. Finally, after the 5th week of Metformin twice a day, I informed my PCP about all my side effects. He had me stop the Metformin and put me on 10 mg of Jardiance. The diarrhea, severe thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, and bad mood all stopped. 59-year-old female."

• Jea...
• January 8, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "A month ago, I was placed on Metformin ER 500 mg twice a day after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (HbA1C of 7.9). I, like so many on this forum, experienced violent diarrhea for the first 7 to 10 days, which then suddenly ceased. For the first time in my life, I have since experienced life as someone without a weight problem. I no longer think about food ruminatively, have to remind myself to eat, and I stop eating when full (eating smaller portions than previously). I have not had my blood glucose re-tested yet so cannot speak to the effectiveness of Metformin for glucose control, but I expect much improvement, even at this subclinical dose. I have been losing 2 to 3 lbs per week without much effort. It has been life-changing."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2014

Metformin for Insulin Resistance Syndrome "So far, I have been on Glucophage for 2 1/2 weeks for Insulin Resistance due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I had a little nausea and diarrhea the first two days. By day three or four, I had no more negative side effects. It worked very quickly, I quickly began to lose weight and started menstruating again. My skin also began to clear up within the first week. Glucophage helps so many of the terrible issues caused by PCOS. I need more time to better evaluate the medicine, but so far it is like a miracle. If it is taken with food, the side effects are negligible."

• Cha...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 7, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "Metformin has side effects like diarrhea. When I have sugar (regular sugar, fructose, and artificial sugar - it does not care), I get diarrhea. Also, headaches occur if sugar spikes quickly - again, food choices do this. If I really want a bite of pizza or a candy bar, I eat healthy (lots of vegetables and salad, protein) with no processed foods, no bread, pasta, potatoes, or rice. At the end of the meal, I have 1-2 bites, savor it, and stop. I give myself a treat once a month. I keep my sugars down to 80-130 by diet and one Metformin 500mg a day. If I eat too much at a meal, I walk or exercise to burn the carbs. Burning too much results in feeling shaky or getting a headache. Water is key too. Water helps pull sugar down (dilutes and flushes it out of the fat cells)."

• Lit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 27, 2015

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "Metformin (Glucophage generic) works very well without any side effects (maybe a small bit of diarrhea and gas - but that helps get rid of my constipation). I am NOT overweight. In great shape with running, playing tennis and golf, etc. Age 65. Never was overweight. Got diabetes from drinking way too much Coca Cola and eating too much sweets (donuts, cake, candies, etc.). Always burned off the sugar so never put on weight. Never knew sugar was a poison that affects metabolism. Started taking metformin (3 X 800 daily dosage two years ago). With diet changes, brought down my blood glucose level from 358 to 130, and A1C from 15.9 to 6.7. Not out of the woods yet, but huge improvement, and metformin is the only drug that works for me."

• T2D...
• January 3, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "Diarrhea, bloating, etc. decrease within a few months. Extended-release tabs help, and eating small portions of food with low carb help too. I find that the cramps and diarrhea return every time I fall off the wagon, overeat, or take in too many carbs. It is a great motivator to keep you on your diet. And it is a great one to gradually, safely, and permanently lose weight. I lost 30 lbs in 2 years and kept it off, with no particular diet (except low carb) and hardly any exercise. Absolutely the best diet pill I've seen in my many diet trials over the past 30 years. I think anyone wanting to lose weight should try this, even non-diabetics."

• She...
• January 14, 2015

For Female Infertility "I got pregnant in 2003 with no problem. Went on birth control. We started trying again for 4 years with no pregnancy. I was told I now had polycystic ovarian syndrome pretty heavily. So I started taking 3 pills a day. I got pregnant within 3 months. Healthy baby boy is now 2 years old. The only problem was I had diarrhea. It slowly got better, but I would take it again!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was prescribed metformin twice. The first time was for pre-diabetes and also to help lose weight. I didn't follow through with it because of the smell of your urine the medicine makes you have (maybe it's just me). Anyway, the second time, I was older and diagnosed with PCOS because I had been TTC (trying to conceive) for years. My doctor advised me to lose weight to better my chances. It was a rough start with the loose stools and nausea, but once your body gets used to it, you will see! In 2 months, I lost 20 pounds. I thought my scale was broken, but I noticed that clothes I was about to give to Goodwill started to fit! Anyway, whatever your reason, hang in there. It definitely works wonders for your health. I'll let you decide."

• she...
• May 15, 2009

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "Metformin is helping me drastically in that it controls my insulin resistance. First side effects were gas and diarrhea, and some bad breath, but those have gone away. I recommend this to anyone who has sugar problems!"

• foo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2024

"Let's discuss side effects. The loose stool or diarrhea that people are complaining about. I have found that's my system cleaning itself out from this medication. Fat on the liver, all that junk that's in your intestines, it's been there for who knows how many years. A little more common sense and a little less complaining about the side effects goes a long way. It's not the miracle drug for weight loss, but it gets you on the right road."

• foo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2024

"Let's discuss side effects. The loose stool or diarrhea that people are complaining about. I have found that's my system cleaning itself out from this medication. Fat on the liver, all that junk that's in your intestines, it's been there for who knows how many years. A little more common sense and a little less complaining about the side effects goes a long way. It's not the miracle drug for weight loss, but it gets you on the right road."

• Ike...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 28, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I still have high blood sugar. Now I get to wake up at 3 AM and spend an hour dealing with diarrhea. I have been late to work and missed important meetings dealing with these side effects. I honestly would rather go back to untreated diabetes than to continue on with metformin."

• G2G...
• November 21, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 35-year-old African American female with a long-standing family history of diabetes. While I was devastated to get a diagnosis of diabetes back in August, I was determined not to let it beat me. My A1C back in August was 8.3, and after taking metformin 500 mg twice a day and watching my diet and regular exercise, I am happy to report that my A1C that was checked this month is 6.3. I had very few and mild side effects like mild cramping and diarrhea but stopped having after less than a week. The medication works for me and I'm hoping to get my A1C even lower come next check. Putting the Beat in diabetes."

• Pow...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 2, 2019

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "I was taking Glucophage for a number of years, and the only side effect was diarrhea at least 1 to 2 times daily. It kept my blood sugar in the low 100s. I finally lost about 60 lbs, and I no longer have diabetes even though my grandmother and mother had type 2 on insulin, and my brother now has it."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2012

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking this medicine for a month today. I have seen a significant and favorable drop in my blood sugar. However, I've never felt sicker in my entire life. Every day since starting this, I've been nauseous, even to the point of vomiting. I find that I now have motion sickness and since I take public transport, I sometimes have to get off the bus to vomit. I always have diarrhea. I sometimes have fever symptoms, chills along with a feeling of being very cold, and terrible headaches. I've also become quite anxious, restless, and moody, which may be a side effect of these side effects. I've lost 12 lbs and I find myself eating less, which is awesome but I'm ALWAYS nauseous, which is why I have no appetite."

• ana...
• November 2, 2013

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "Metformin, they say, makes you hyper-fertile. Yeah, I agree. My hormones got a little wacky for a week or so. I've calmed down now and feel pretty good. I take the dose up slow, only one 500mg pill for seven days before adding one more 500mg for another seven and so forth until I reach four pills a day. I noticed that without using any Lantus, my blood sugar readings were lower. Not low enough to discontinue the Lantus, however. I noticed while on Lantus alone, I never felt all that chipper. When I started the metformin, my moods improved dramatically, and I became a much happier person. The diarrhea did not last long but did return when I increased the dose. Getting used to the pills now and bowels returned to normal."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "This drug can kill you. One of the worst reactions to a medication that I've ever experienced. Last Saturday, I could hardly walk out of a store as the muscle contractions grew worse and the pressure in my chest increased. An ER visit followed and a week later, I am still weak. It did not get out of my system in 24, 48, or 72 hours. Watch this drug closely when you are given it for treatment, especially if you have already had physical symptoms that are similar to some of its side effects. And yes, I had diarrhea, spasms which ran up into my torso, and nausea but I tried working through it all. I could barely lift my arms last Saturday and I was in pain from my feet to the top of my head. There was no comfortable place."