Metformin side effects?

[Moominmiss]

Hi, so I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes a couple of weeks ago, and after a while of testing my levels several times a day I’m now due to start on metformin this evening to hopefully help bring my fasting levels down.

Both the diabetic nurse that phoned me about it and the lady in dispensary have warned me about some not too nice side effects but to try and persevere for a week to see if they subside.

Can anyone that actually takes metformin tell me if it’s really that bad? I was surprised they were warning me about it before I’d even started on it, not knowing for sure whether I personally will get any of the side effects. Or is it pretty standard to get them?

I have to start on 1g for the first 3 days then up it to 2g after that.

I've never had side-effects. That doesn't mean you won't, just that not everyone does. (I have T2.)

Can I blunt? Blunt ish then? I was prescribed Metformin many years ago for pcos. Although I didn't get on with it, I did go on to get pregnant and have a baby despite being repeatedly told that I would need help - further meds and possibly IVF.
I only took Metformin for a short time but I have always wondered if that was what made the positive difference.
If I tell you I experienced the most common side effects and others do too, don't you think that it might influence you, even subconsciously?
The power of placebo is very real - as is suggestion and the actual reality is that you have every single chance of being someone who experiences little or no side effects from it!
You can always re-evaluate once you've started taking it but I really think you'll be fine and all it will do is help you!

I've been on metformin for over 15 years for PCOS too - 2000 mg a day. Most common side effect usually is loose stools (occasionally it can veer the other way into constipation) - I suspect that's what the pharmacist was talking about.

As pp note though, many people won't get side effects at all and if you do they often improve with time as your body gets used to them, by taking the pills with food or by asking for slow-release tablets if necessary. Metformin's great imo - several studies have shown it can even help protect against some cancers!

Hey, I've been taken Metformin for a week now for GD. I have IBS so was worried about the side effects but I've been fine! I have also had acid reflux throughout my pregnancy and the pharmacist told me that Metformin is really acidic but I can't tell any difference as I have heartburn all day anyway!
When I said I had IBS, they suggested going straight to insulin but I wanted to try the Metformin first and I'm glad I have.

Thank you all. Just taken my first tablet with my tea so will see how things go, but great to hear that definitely not everyone experiences the side effects.

Honestly the nurse made it sound awful like I’d definitely get all these terrible side effects and made out it would probably be a miracle if I manage to stay on it!

@Moominmiss, I was prescribed Metformin for GD a few weeks ago. I had some mild stomach pain and increased gas (which I assume was linked to starting the tablets) but this was just for the first couple of days. Nothing since!

I'm type 2 diabetic and have been on metformin for nearly a year now (I was so nervous to take it because I was also warned of side effects) but nope I haven't had any!! X

I had awful side effects until I was put on the glucophage brand which was slow release

If it persists ask for slow release its much better. I take it for insulin resistance.

The standard metformin have me awful dihorrea. It is especially bad if you eat something sweet. So it does make you eat less sugar. Where as the slow release stuff doesn't give me those side effects.

I don't know if its OK when pregnant but something like imodium can help. Especially if you just need the metformin for your pregnancy. So bit like you need to be on it forever.

I took my first metformin to aid weightloss for infertility & spent 2 days sat on the toilet with my head in a bucket, it was relentless & left me feeling like a limp rag. My mum takes it for diabetes & even though she takes the slow release one she has chronic diarrhoea, has had to stop eating eggs, salad cream, some vegetables, vinegar, baked beans, tomatoes, she now eats a very restricted diet. Make sure you always have your blood tests done because it can damage your kidneys, it is the first line drug because it is the cheapest, not the best but doctors are reluctant to take patients off it even if it doesn't suit them like my mum.