Slow release vs regular metformin

[HowlingAtTheM00n]

I've been on regular metformin prescribed at 1500mg , for the past year. I really can't tolerate it . I can only manage 500mg to 1000mg daily , and I really struggle with diarrhea. After 1 years, it hasn't improved. My consultant has considered taking me me off metformin all together since I'm not tolerating it. I asked him about slow release and he said he's not a fan of slow release. And I'm puzzled why. Is slow release not as effective? I understand its lowering it gradually over the day whereas regular will lower it after meal ect. So will my blood sugars be higher then throughout the day since slow release is doing it slowly ?

Also the dose of slow release he prescribed is 750mg. Is it normal they prescribe a lower dose of slow release? I've been told I need to be taking the 1500mg ( regular) but he seemed to think that was very high for me and said irs no wonder I'm having diarrhea

Slow release is more expensive than the immediate release , i wonder if thats the reason he is reluctant to prescribe it.
I had a horrible reaction to immediate release and refused to take it which is why I am on SR.
Im on 500gm of SR once a day but also on insulin twice a day so really cant say how effective it is

I’m on Sukarto slow release, I tolerate it and so much easier with once a day so I don’t need to worry about clashing with other meds.

My mum is on SR Metformin, the regular ones gave her uncontrollable diarrhoea & vomiting, she takes one in a morning & one at night.

Slow release here after not tolerating the other form. I've never come across any reason to think there's something wrong with SR. I'd push for it, it's not reasonable for you to be on a med you are not tolerating.

I'm on the slow release one and have been for years. I found that I kept getting gastritis with the normal one, and it was miserable. Diabetic nurse did point out that it's usually cost why it isn't prescribed in the first place.

I’m on SR, just started two weeks ago. Two MISERABLE weeks, one 500 tablet. I can’t delay adding a morning one now to titrate up to the prescribed dose, and I’m dreading it

I just hope it settles down as I get used to it

doesn’t seem to do anything for my blood sugar, either, compared to Saxenda which I was self-funding when it was available.

I don’t have the best of digestions at any time, so maybe that’s why

@Mumsnut are you taking it after food? I eat my breakfast, then take the tablet around 30 minutes after just to be on the safe side.

I have to be really careful, and the GP told me never to take it if I've got an upset stomach/any gastric issues.

thanks, Badger. Yes, I always take it just after food. Learnt that one the hard way!

I think I have to tough it out for a couple of weeks and then maybe ask for something else.

even with practically no carbs, my sugars are higher than they’ve ever been on Saxenda, and higher than 7, often. Hopefully the second tablet will make a difference.

I’ve read that it takes a while for the drug to take effect generally

It did take about 6 months of being on it for my blood sugars to regulate - don't think it's an "instant success" drug. And I do notice that if I miss a few days due to being unwell, it takes a while to feel back to normal again. Horrible stuff but sadly the default NHS option.

The cheapest, I’d guess