Metformin and Sick: What Users Say

• J C...
• July 26, 2013

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "I've had Type 2 Diabetes for a few years, and have gained over 100 lbs. I have been on Metformin for a month and have lost 28 lbs. Glucophage is amazing, but I will admit at first I was very sick. After about a week, I started to feel normal again."

• tdl...
• August 3, 2011

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I have been taking this medication for 5 years now. It has lowered my insulin levels, but they still aren't normal. I have lost 75 pounds, and my menstrual cycles have returned to normal. I went almost a year without one at all. I also have hypothyroidism, and I think my positive results are from it. I take two 500mg pills twice a day. I have to eat with it, or else I will get sick."

• Ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 12, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I would not credit metformin as the only reason I have done so well with the PCOS weight gain, but I believe it's been a HUGE help. I was a very active female, ex-military who was always within my BMI. I went from 138 lbs to 350 lbs in 8 years before the PCOS was even diagnosed. 7 months on metformin, with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, and I'm 140 lbs down. For me, it worked. I went through 2 or 3 brands until I got to one that didn't make me sick. But I'm grateful I stuck it out. PCOS is a nightmare, the hair growth alone makes you feel less feminine, let alone the massive weight fluctuations. I wish everybody luck and obviously listen to your body and research everything the doctor recommends. Good luck and god bless!"

• Dee...
• April 28, 2014

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Glucophage XR for 4 weeks. The first couple of weeks, it made me very sick. I was told this was normal and to try to hold out and the side effects would stop. They seemed to, and then the dose was increased, and I am sick again. It works really well to get my sugar down. Before I started, it was an average of 146 or 6.7 for A1C. Now the average is 101. Since it is working, I am going to hold on for a few more weeks. I have been told that some people get used to it much faster than I have, and some people take a few months."

• cla...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 27, 2018

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "Was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2005. I tried metformin, and it made me deathly ill. I practically lived in the bathroom for the month I tried it the first time. After that, I checked the Internet and found 2 other manufacturers of metformin. Both caused the same reaction. The doctor then tried the 'real' brand Glucophage. I haven't had any problems since then. I am able to control my sugar. However, I haven't been able to get the 'real' Glucophage in over 3 months. It is on long-term back order and not expected for 3 or 4 more months. I will die if necessary before ever going back to the metformin."

• Mel...
• February 15, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have never had a regular period since I was 13. Probably only got my period twice a year since I was 13, and when it eventually came, it was really bad. Got married in 2010 and started trying for a baby. Got pregnant in Jan of 2011 even without having regular periods, but unfortunately, I miscarried. Was only diagnosed in late 2012 with PCOS and went onto Glucophage in August 2011. With the help of my wonderful doc, I conceived in November of the same year and delivered a healthy baby boy in August of 2012. Glucophage was really helpful to me, and I would really ask all you ladies to keep the faith and stay on even if it makes you sick for a while."

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started taking this medicine after trying to conceive for over a year, my DD (darling daughter) is a year and 8 months now. On April 19th, I went to the hospital over my concerns of being unable to get pregnant and had a transvaginal ultrasound. The doctor said my follicles are not mature, so my eggs were just like a pearl necklace, all the same size on a line, and I had just finished my period 4 days prior. There was supposed to be a dominant one, so all this had me devastated. He put me on 1000 mg of metformin twice a day, which I took but wasn't regular with. It made me feel like vomiting, I felt extremely sick that I thought I had cancer (God forbid). Today, May 20th, I hadn't seen my period, which was supposed to be due 2 weeks ago, so I decided to do a pregnancy test, and boom, the big positive! I'm grateful to God I only took this for 2 weeks (unreligiously) and discontinued because of the way I felt."

• Pet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome a few days ago. I gained weight, and I didn't have my period for over 8 months. I am not overweight, but I was still advised to lose weight. I am on Metformin 500 once a day, and after one day, I got my period! Amazing! I did have pains, and I felt sick, but nothing horrible. I am going back to the GP for a check in 6 weeks, so I will let you know more. Just had to share my excitement as this was the website I was reading regarding Metformin."

• Hel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2017

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I used to take regular metformin 500 mg 2x per day, but I would be on and off because it literally made me so sick and tired. But recently, my new doctor recommended metformin extended release. I swear it's been a life changer for me. I take 500 mg per day, and I've been losing weight, and it doesn't make me feel sick at all! I've also been taking biotin simultaneously, which has increased my overall mood and energy, not to mention my hair and nails have been growing too!"

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2010

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was originally started on Metformin two years ago. When I first started, I was supposed to take 500 mg twice a day, then gradually up to three times a day. No matter when I took it, I got horribly sick to where I missed work and could not even leave the house. After stopping the Metformin, I tried other medications and things got worse. After reading some reviews, I started taking Metformin extended release. I have been taking it for about three weeks and have had no stomach issues. If you have a sensitive stomach, I highly suggest asking about the extended release. I take it at night with dinner and I am fine. Hope this helps!"

• liv...
• May 6, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been taking metformin for only a week. But that being said, I have noticed straight away the changes that it has made. I have had PCOS since I was 19, I am now 27. I have never had any medication for my PCOS. I had gone to my doctors as I was stressed about the fact I had not had my period in over 4 months. As I have been quite regular considering here and there a few misses, etc. At the start of taking the medication, I was quite sick, but that lasted two days. I have decreased in appetite, and my period actually came! So, so far, so good. Soon, I will be on a higher dose as I am currently on one tablet! Fingers crossed it keeps working! I know it's only one week in, but to be already getting good results, I just had to share."

• Mil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2021

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16 years old. I am now 26. I used to use a pill that made me have regular periods. When coming off the pill 2 years ago, I only had 4 periods a year. After my partner and I decided we wanted a baby, we tried for one and a half years before contacting a doctor who started me on metformin, 500mg 2x daily. Side effects lasted about a week, like stomach pain and feeling sick. I have been on it for about five months now and had four periods, about 38-42 day cycles. This has been great, no signs of pregnancy yet, but hopefully soon."

• Mor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have PCOS, and a couple months ago, my doctor recommended 1000 mg of metformin a day. My period never really came as it should, but I did lose some weight. I visited the doctor last week and told him of my period issue, and he recommended 2000 mg a day. I feel very sick, but I'm trying hard to stay positive. I really want to have a baby, so whatever it takes, I'm willing to try now."

• Mrs...
• October 8, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS and a bicornuate uterus last year! I was put on metformin in the beginning of this year. I started at 500 mg 2 times a day, it became too much, and I was always sick. So now I have been taking metformin extended release 500 mg once a day at night and haven't gotten sick. Hopefully, it works for my husband and me."

• Kat...
• October 23, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16. I was overweight, no period, cysts in my armpits, my body went into pregnancy mode and I craved foods and started lactating, and my thyroid was damaged. I was put on metformin 500 mg 3 times a day and thyroid meds. I’ve been on them for 10 years. A few years ago a doctor upped it to 1000 mg 2 times a day. Haven’t seen a huge difference. Immediately when I was 16 and started taking it, I lost weight and got my period. All the symptoms went away over time as well. It’s known to cause sickness and stomach problems for a while, and anytime you are irregular with taking your medicine. I experienced that for a few weeks but didn’t come off of it because it’s supposed to go away, and it did. I take mine when I wake up and when I go to bed. I haven’t had any problems with my periods for 10 years, until recently. I’m 26 and my periods have stopped the last 2 months, so my medicine will be adjusted this week most likely by my doctor."

• Anonymous
• September 25, 2009

Metformin for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "The first week of taking Metformin (Glucophage), I was extremely sick! But after that initial first week of taking the pill, I was better. I take 1000 mg in the morning and at night, making that 2000 mg a day. So far, it hasn't given me any issues. Haven't noticed much weight loss, but so far, I am happy with it."

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2010

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I've been on this for almost a month now. I'm exhausted all the time, and whether I take it with food or not, I get sick. I am supposed to take 2 pills a day. I take the morning one about an hour after my workout and the nighttime one right before bed. I've noticed I'm not nauseated when I wake up. My period is due in 3 days, so we'll see if I get it. No weight loss yet."

• rho...
• June 7, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I found out I had PCOS a long time ago. I took it once or twice when I was 24. It made me sick, so I stopped. I went back to the doctor 2 weeks ago, my doctor said I should try metformin. Haven't started yet! But I'm 32 with no kids, and I really want a healthy, beautiful baby. My boyfriend cheated on me and got a baby, and it really hurts me because he said I should've gotten pregnant. Hopefully, when I start the medication, I will get pregnant. I will keep y'all updated."

• Bio...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 25, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Metformin made me sick. Metformin made it possible for me to conceive twice. Both of my kids were born very healthy. The gross feeling for a few months was worth my family. :)"

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2012

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "Made me very sick, headache, constant diarrhea, very bad head and chest cold, lower right leg started to swell."

• Anonymous
• December 9, 2009

For Type 2 Diabetes "I cannot take this medicine, it made me so sick. Metformin just did not work. I stayed in the bathroom day and night, so my doctor changed me to a new drug called Glimepiride, 2 mg, 1 tablet a day."