Metformin and Stomach Pain: What Users Say

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "From the get-go, I had stomach pain, severe nausea, diarrhea, and I was on 500 mg a day. After a month of feeling miserable, I quit taking it. I reversed my diabetes through a ketovore diet and walking. A1C went from 7 to 5.4 in three months."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Take with food if you have diarrhea! At first, this medication gave me such terrible diarrhea and other stomach pains, but then my nurse practitioner told me to try it with a meal, and oh my God, it's like I don't feel sick anymore! Also, try to take it with your biggest meal! I've been on it for about 2 months and a half, and with a little diet and exercise, I've lost 15 lbs! I'm 5’3, started at 218, now 203!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was prescribed metformin 500 mg twice a day. After a week, I looked nine months pregnant from bloating. Also experienced flu-like symptoms: lower intestinal cramping, low backache, stomach pain, fatigue, generally feeling bad, low energy. I quit and went on to try other drugs but could only tolerate Januvia, with moderate success; now insurance won't cover it, and I'm on Basaglar insulin with the only side effect of weight retention/almost impossible to lose. I'm so annoyed that doctors, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists pump up all these drugs and how great they are without telling you about side effects, then show no empathy to you when you tell them you're having them. One provider even asked if I was imagining side effects!"

• dob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was prescribed Metformin for prediabetes 4 months ago. Month 1, I experienced awful gastrointestinal issues, to the point of opting to eat only at night when I was home because 20 minutes after eating required me to be in the bathroom for an hour. Months 2-4, I took Metformin extended release (which was not covered by our drug plan), no changes whatsoever other than worsening bloating/stomach pain and liquid diarrhea. Then my hair began falling out by the handful. Even my husband was noticing my hair all over the bathroom floor when I brushed. This is an awful medication, and all the alternatives seem to have terrible side effects too."

• Ell...
• October 16, 2013

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 18 years ago. My experience has been horrible. Very irregular cycles, ranging from massive bloat, extreme flow, severe cramps, night sweats, and facial hair. I maybe have 3 periods every 2 years. Finally, my doctor put me on metformin. The side effects for me are pretty bad, mainly stomach pain and diarrhea. I work through it because I know my body will adjust. I've heard great things about this medicine, and I'm willing to go through a little discomfort to improve my irregular cycle."

• Ins...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "When I was first diagnosed, my doctor gave me Metformin. After I took the very first pill, I had severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. I spent hours curled up in the fetal position, bawling my eyes out. I didn't care if it took time to adjust to the side effects. I tried one day's worth of the medicine and tossed the rest. My doctor went on to prescribe Amaryl. I'm sure Metformin is a great drug for some people, as it works well for other family members, but the stomach pain and vomiting were too much to handle. No thanks."

• Foo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "Sugar still 170 ish. Taking 250 mg 2x/day with food and plenty of water. Was supposed to exercise also but can't due to stomach pain, very bad, achy joint, blurred vision, and did I mention stomach pain, very bad. If Dr. don't call me back today, I'm off this crap. I feel worse now than I did 2 weeks ago. Several times worse."

• 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!"

• Sky...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was put on metformin ER 500 mg once a day. My doctor told me to raise it to 1000 mg (two) in the morning and two in the evening. I told her about my stomach issues, so I decided to do 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg in the evening. The other day, I started to have very bad stomach pain. I woke up at 2 in the morning with very bad cramping and stomach pain. It felt like I wanted to throw up, even when I took it. I had a bad aftertaste, plus it made my nose bleed again. This medicine is not good at all."

• CP3...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2012

"I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia roughly 7 years ago and was never treated. It was impossible for me to lose weight. I worked out like a maniac and ate very healthy. I stopped eating anything that was a 'white' carb. Yet, I could NOT lose weight. So I got fed up and went to my endo, and she was awesome. Within a 20-minute appointment, she told me that my body basically CANNOT break down any kind of carbs. When I eat them, it turns them straight to fat and stores it away in my stomach. She recommended that I take 4 500 mg of metformin every day. In the beginning, it ripped my stomach apart. But I got used to it eventually. I have cut most carbs out of my diet except for fruits. It's been 5 months, and I'm down 25 lbs."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2013

For Female Infertility "I must be the small percentage who seems to suffer all side effects. I have had diarrhea, sweats, insomnia, stomach pain, weight loss, and the list goes on. I'm on 1.5 pills per day and have to find a way to work myself up to 3 pills a day. I suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis and am hoping this will help with that and my infertility."

• 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."

• TNi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Grade 9, I was given birth control (BC) to regulate my periods as I could not naturally create them on my own. On and off BC for a few years, testing to see if naturally I would get it - no luck. Advised to remain on BC until I wanted to have children, as this would keep my PCOS symptoms and hormone levels regulated. I am now 30 and needed to stop taking BC because of excessive weight gain and mood swings. I was prescribed Metformin from my family doctor on Feb 16th (gradually working up to 1000mg, 1/2 pill increase weekly). February 26th, I got my first natural period since Grade 9. AMAZING! Side effects: stomach pains, diarrhea, and nausea, manageable with a good diet - hope to have success with weight loss like others I've read below. Good luck!"

• Fox...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is the worst medicine I have ever taken. I would rather have high blood sugar than take this medicine. It makes me so sick to my stomach and just always having stomach pain. I am switching over to insulin because at least insulin won’t make my stomach miserable, even if it means taking shots every day."

• 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."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "At first, all went well with metformin. The 2nd week, I was told to take 2 tablets, and that is when the severe stomach pain and nausea began. After putting up with that for several days, I went to the ER. I had pre-pancreatitis. I wouldn't take this or any med with metformin as an ingredient."

• 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."

• Sop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2019

For Female Infertility "I have PCOS and had a successful pregnancy with Clomid 2 years ago at 150 mg after taking Clomid for 5 months. I started Clomid again, 150 mg for 9 months with no success this time. I did ovulate every month, though. My ob-gyn referred me to a fertility specialist, and after doing more lab work, decided to put me on a dose of metformin, 850 mg, 2 tabs per day of metformin. I took 1 tab for 1 week and then 2 tabs on the second week. The first week I had diarrhea, nausea, headache, but it was tolerable. I also got my period 6 days after starting metformin after not having one for almost 6 months, so that’s a plus. On the second week of metformin dosage of 1700 mg, my side effects got worse. I still have diarrhea, lightheadedness, stomach pain, and also vomiting. I take it at dinner time once I get home since I work in the daytime. Hope this works with all these side effects, lol. When I was on Clomid, I did not have any side effects. I’ll update you ladies and see if I ovulate."

• Rub...
• March 16, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS about 2 weeks ago, but I've been suffering from it a long time. I am 17, turning 18 pretty soon; normal, no periods, unwanted facial hair, some depression, no sleep, very unwanted weight. I'm on round 2 (2nd week), so I'm taking 2 pills a day, experienced some stomach pain, a bit drowsy, nothing too bothersome, but I started my period! That's good! Will stay updated!"

• mis...
• November 11, 2011

For Female Infertility "I just started taking metformin. This was given to me by my ob/gyn because I just got married and my husband and I are trying to have a baby. Just started this week, so the side effects haven't hit me fully, I do get the stomach pain. I haven't been diagnosed with PCOS, but I think I have it. So far, things are looking okay. Just waiting to see if everything falls into place."

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2018

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been taking Metformin for 3 days now due to irregular menstrual cycles. I went a year without a cycle. My OBGYN prescribed it to me for weight loss and so that my cycles can return to normal. The first day, it gave me a bad taste and stomach pain, but I am not having those problems anymore, and I have already lost a couple of pounds. Current weight was 165 lb, today I am 163 lb."

• Tel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I've been diagnosed with PCOS not so long ago. I'm 20 years old. My doctor put me on metformin. She said to take it for 1-2 weeks, 1000 mg a day. I felt very fine! Then she said to increase it to 1000 mg twice a day. This is my second day taking 4 pills a day. And I feel horrible stomach pain, nausea, horrible!!! Maybe it's because I don't have a decent meal with my pills. Will that affect it at all? Can someone help?!"

• Lex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2020

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have PCOS and was prescribed Glucophage 500 mg daily, and for the first 14 days, I only experienced stomach pains and a slight headache. Today is the 15th day, and I suddenly started vomiting about 8 times. I am not sure why the sudden change in side effects. I thought I could be pregnant, but the dates don't add up."

• Kat...
• May 31, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Went to the ER on 5/22/19 for what I thought was a UTI. Come to find out, I had sugar in my urine, so they did a blood test and determined I was diabetic. The ER doctor put me on metformin twice a day, 500 mg each. This medicine is awful! Horrible side effects: major diarrhea. Even the water I drink would come out, couldn’t keep anything down, very bad stomach pain and severe night sweats! To the point where I couldn’t even function, did not want to move off the couch in pain. I would rather deal with whatever is going on than take this medicine. This will be on the never, ever again list."

• Anonymous
• June 9, 2009

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was given metformin for borderline type 2 diabetes. It made me want to sleep all the time, caused my sugar to go up, and caused stomach pain. Obviously this medication is not for me."