Metformin and Gas: What Users Say

• 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."

• Squ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've lost ten lbs in a little over a month taking metformin for type II diabetes combined with giving up sugary sodas and watching carbs, however, passing gas has become a gamble too risky to take if you get my drift. The intestinal 'discomforts' are real, folks. They're not kidding about that."

• 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!"

• Xpu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2023

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I am overweight and turned out I have quite severe insulin resistance, though glucose, insulin, and the HbA1c were within the normal range. I was snacking all day, being ravenous most of the time and was eating quite a lot, including junk food. I've been on Glucophage XR for a little over three months, with the dose slowly increased to reach 1500 mg a day. Initially, I had diarrhea, bloating, gas, and all sorts of stomach issues, but within a couple of weeks after starting it, things settled down. I feel well now, my blood work results on the third month show a great improvement. My appetite has decreased significantly, and I no longer feel hungry all the time. I stick to three meals a day (about half the amount I used to eat) without any snacking in between. I have also cut down on carbs, pasta, bread, rice, potatoes, and meat. Since starting Glucophage in the end of May, I have lost 9 kg (almost 20 pounds). Overall, I am very satisfied with the results."

• Ren...
• October 6, 2019

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "Been taking the max dose of Metformin for almost two years now, despite being non-diabetic and a young female within a “normal” BMI range. Diagnosed with “prediabetes” by my endo and has never officially crossed the threshold for diabetes since being on Metformin. There’s definitely an adjustment curve when beginning this medication; it’s been a while, but I remember the first few weeks were full of INTENSE cramping, nausea, gas, loose stools, and, strangely enough, back pain. The loose stools don’t really go away, but all the other symptoms have pretty much subsided. Despite its unattractive side effects, it has really helped me stabilize my weight (I was randomly gaining exponentially) and even curbed cravings. Thinking about talking with my doc to lower the dosage, though, because I’ve noticed that it’s starting to make me intolerant to alcohol and certain other medications."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2011

Metformin for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "This medicine has definitely improved my quality of life. Within the first 2 weeks of starting metformin, I lost 8 pounds (where before I struggled to lose weight). Now I am in a healthy BMI for my height group. I experienced no nausea while taking this medicine (I took it in the middle of a meal). I did experience some intestinal side effects (gas/diarrhea) for the first week, and in the first week, I increased my dose."

• Fee...
• July 27, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was told I had PCOS when I was 19. I'm 27 now, it's been a long road. I've been on every birth control, but I've always felt it was a temporary fix for a permanent problem. I've been taking metformin for 3 weeks now. I had really bad gas, so I took a heartburn pill when I took the metformin, and the side effects went down about 90%. I get a little tired sometimes, but overall I feel better! I no longer have cravings for chocolate and sweets. Hair growth has gone down! Just remember to drink a lot of water. I'm praying that this medicine really helps women with polycystic ovaries. Good luck, ladies!"

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2010

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "My husband and I are both on this medicine. He takes 1000 mg morning and evening. I take the max at 850 mg each meal. We have to keep a packet of desiccant in the bottle to absorb the horrible fishy smell. We both have the side effect, even years later, of bloating, gas, and flatulence. We call this pill our 'gas' medication. But it lowers our blood sugar with few other side effects. If we're out, we take it on our return home if possible to prevent inflicting our flatulence on others."

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2010

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "My husband and I are both on this medicine. He takes 1000 mg morning and evening. I take the max at 850 mg each meal. We have to keep a packet of desiccant in the bottle to absorb the horrible fishy smell. We both have the side effect, even years later, of bloating, gas, and flatulence. We call this pill our 'gas' medication. But it lowers our blood sugar with few other side effects. If we're out, we take it on our return home if possible to prevent inflicting our flatulence on others."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been taking Metformin 750 extended once a day! Diet and exercise for 6 months by now. My A1C was 13, now is 6! With supervision of my doctor and keeping strict lifetime changes, this drop was possible! Side effects sometimes create gas! I feel tired, but I try my best to stick to my exercise program, some back discomfort! Mentally, I want to eventually not take the medication anymore, but I am not a doctor, I need to wait for her directions! People need to check their blood sugar levels daily so they know if treatments are working! Most importantly, research what you put in your mouth when it comes to your diet, it makes all the difference!!!!"

• NO ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I had a heart attack, and once they checked me over completely, I was prescribed 1000 mg of metformin twice a day. I was also told to exercise - how does one exercise and enjoy life while strapped to a toilet all day long? The metformin side effects are diarrhea, gas, stomach pains, and my doctor just says those are the side effects, there is not much he can do!"

• del...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2014

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I got diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome when I was 16. I'm now 31. I've been taking metformin 1000 mg three times a day. I have lost 2 stones in 17 months. I still don't have a cycle and still get unwanted hair. I get lots of wind and diarrhea when I've eaten sugary food, so if you're taking metformin, watch your sugar intake."

• Lon...
• October 2, 2011

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have just been diagnosed with having polycystic ovary syndrome. Before the diagnosis, I put on about 40 lbs just out of the blue within 8 months. I also had excess hair on my face, stomach, and legs, and I only had about 6 periods in the last year. I went for a pelvic scan, and for the last 9 days, I have been taking metformin (500 mg twice a day) under the doctor's orders. Something is definitely happening because I had a period within 5 days of taking the medication, and I've lost about 4 lbs in the last week. The side effects were annoying. I had a lot of gas and diarrhea for about 3 days. The side effects seem to have passed now. My overall experience with metformin is fairly good so far. I am looking forward to seeing more results."

• dia...
• June 2, 2009

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started this 1 year ago. The first day I couldn't leave the bathroom, after that, it was okay, but it gives me gas and cramps really bad, and it still does. If I eat, it goes away. No gain or loss in weight on this drug. I'm not fat. I do crave carbohydrates on it, though. My A1C usually is in the sixes most of the time. I have it checked every three months. I was fighting this disease on my own, but for me, I gave up after three years because I was very limited to what I could eat. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with a starting A1C of 13. I got it down to 8 with no medicines, but that is when I gave up because the lifestyle is just not conducive to normal life."

• Twi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have PCOS but do have regular periods. When I started taking Metformin, I was 11 stone 7. I have tried to lose weight prior to all this, and I have managed to lose half a stone before it slowly starts going back on again - like a yo-yo, and that's not through letting my diet slip. I have only been on the medication a few days, but there has been a noticeable difference in my appetite already. I haven't had any unpleasant side effects apart from a little wind (woops). I weighed myself this morning after taking only 7 tablets (1 500mg tab 3x a day), and I am already losing - 11 stone 4. I will be back to update you with how I get on over the next few weeks. So far, so good!"

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2011

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "The only issue with this medication for me was the stomach upset, gas, and diarrhea. However, the positives totally outweigh the negatives. After 6 months with no period and working out 3-4 days a week with no weight loss, it took 2 weeks on 1000 mg/day of metformin to have a period and lose 5 lbs! I noticed that the stomach upset is worst when I eat something heavy or fatty. I continue to work out and am anxious to see where I will be a year from now."

• Sam...
• April 30, 2020

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started with 250 mg only. At day 5, I started 500 mg. Weird side effects: mild diarrhea, quite bearable, but stomach pain on the left side, bloating, and flatulence. And I quit within 10 days. Now, after a month, I started again from 250. Same, stomach pain has started on the upper left abdomen. I hope it's a minor side effect, and it won't harm my stomach. But I wonder why this left side pain occurs. It's not a cramp, but a discomfort that sometimes radiates to my left side chest and left arm and then disappears."

• Kk2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2021

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I'm 27, and my husband and I have been trying to conceive for years with no luck, although I got pregnant about 3 years back but didn't make it past 4 weeks (miscarried). I only have one ovary due to a dermoid cyst that caused one ovary and tube to be removed when I was 16 years old. So I figured that was the issue. But I went to the doctor this week, and it turns out I have PCOS in the one ovary I have. I'm a little overweight, 170 lb, I would like to get back to 130, but my weight has fluctuated all over the place since I got my first period, despite not hardly eating at all. So my doctor put me on metformin 500 mg 1x a day and recommended a low-carb, whole foods diet and protein shakes during the day (since I don't usually eat until 5 or 7 at night) and to work out for 30 minutes a day. Then I take clomid on day 3 of my cycle. So far, no side effects really, a little gas, but I feel a lot better. I sleep a lot better at least. I still crave carbs and sweets, but it's only day 4 of taking metformin."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took metformin for two weeks - changing from IR tabs 500 mg twice a day, because my A1C was down to 5.5 - mostly due to gallbladder trouble and not being able to eat. This medication caused so much intestinal distress I was forced to switch back to IR tabs. Stomach pain, severe bloating and gas, and diarrhea. This may not be the case for others. I also must take ox bile and other digestive supplements because I no longer have a gallbladder."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "After one year on my medication, I find it to cause serious fatigue if I have not eaten regularly. Gas and bloating are on and off. Minor weight reduction. (Initially, it was a wonder drug with the usual gas and loose stool, over time, its positive effects are less noticeable unless I miss a dose.)"

• Sou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Horrible. Continuous diarrhea with nausea, bloating, and flatulence. The side effects do not go away, they will always be there. I lost 12 pounds in 10 days, not because Metformin is great, but because it is bad. It makes you dislike food completely and feel nauseated when you even think about eating. It is cheap and somewhat effective. That is why doctors and insurance push it first and foremost. I could not even tolerate 500 mg daily."

• K08...
• December 23, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started to take Metformin two months ago, after finally receiving proper treatment for PCOS and insulin resistance. The first month was especially rough; gas, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea were persistent. It seemed my body was used to my blood sugar being high, so if I didn't watch mealtimes, I ended up having minor symptoms of hypoglycemia, even though my blood sugar was normal (finally!). On rough days, I would take an Imodium with my Metformin, careful not to overtake it. I stopped eating crap (it made me sick), and I found that if I took it an hour or two before or after meals instead of with the meal, my GI side effects weren't as bad. Drink lots of water!!"

• Alr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 16, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I began Metformin 2 years ago, dosage of 1000 mg daily at dinner. Initial issues with loose bowels, gas, resolved within 4-6 weeks. Seemed to help reduce blood sugar, but room for improvement, so after 6 months, increased to 1500 mg. Six months later, at check-up, I complained of chronic bilateral leg pain. Doctor ordered blood work. No problems there. Prescribed anti-inflammatory diet, increased Metformin to 2000 mg. Leg pain got worse, especially in the morning after exercising (weight training, mostly). Most excruciating morning, after celebration, with an increase in alcohol intake. Really affecting ADLs. Stumbled upon info about Metformin, alcohol, lactic acidosis, muscle pain. Doctor's nurse didn’t ask questions when I asked about dosage. I stopped taking it. Pain gone within a week."

• Mim...
• July 12, 2021

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I have been on metformin 500 mg since 2015, weighed 212 pounds at 5 feet 2. I was exercising at a gym 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. This was pre-pandemic, I kept a food, weight, and exercise diary. The doctor prescribed a dose of three 500 mg tablets of metformin a day, 1 pill to be taken with each meal. I don't eat 3 meals a day, I only eat when my tummy growls. I eat protein, salad with oil and vinegar. Absolutely no wine or alcohol. I eliminated carbs with the exception of fresh fruit. Experienced extreme gas, bloating, and felt terrible since 2015. I have lost 72 pounds, and my doctor wishes for me to continue taking one metformin 500 mg a day. I declined and haven't taken it for the past 3 days, and my husband noticed I was happier, perkier, and had more energy. I never felt this suppressed my appetite, this medicine made me sick with diarrhea, the most vile gas, bloating, and most recently throwing up bile. I live on salads alone with my own homemade dressing of balsamic vinegar and oil."

• RKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I’ve tried every dose of metformin, and it all caused horrible side effects for me (nausea, sometimes vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, etc.) I’m now on metformin 500XR once daily for two weeks, and it’s like magic! No side effects!"