I took XR Metformin (1,000mg) for years w/o issues until the recall issues. I switched to 1,000mg immediate release w/o problems. Fast forward 1 1/2 years and I had to go up to 1,500mg. Initially everything was fine, say for 10 days. My stool became a little softer, and it stayed at the same level for 6 weeks or so. Now, the last few days, it's yet softer again, meaning it's VERY soft. Not yet diarrhea, though, but not too far off. I've experimented with different ways of taking it--2 in the mornin, one at night or one with every meal f.e.--made no difference. I have no other complaints or discomfort. Is this possible with Metformin, that the reaction would be so delayed?
Metformin and effect on stool?
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Tracker, it's possible. But it also could be complicating factors, like whether you're consuming as much water as you were a month or so ago, or whether colder weather has you drinking more diuretic beverages like coffee or tea. Any changes in diet? Away from fresh veggies? It also is possible that we can develop sensitivities to any substance at pretty much any time. Hate to be so vague, but it might be worth reviewing what you're eating and drinking to see if there may be an associated change there.
itissteve, nothing has changed other than that I started to have to go pee at night twice a night rather since end of December 2021. I'm going to see a do about this next week. I cut back slightly on my black tea (from 2 down to 1.5 cups) and I stop drinking anything 4 hours before bed, which means I cram everything in before then. I also seem to be even more thirsty that normal. Which is bizarre, since my glucose levels never exceed 120 one hour after a meal, and my A1c is 5.2. But like you said, it's possible that I've become too sensitive to Metformin or anything else. So, in a nutshell, if anything I'm getting more water than less. I'm hoping there now is a "clean" ER version--I've emailed my GP.
Just that there was a recall two years ago or so where they found something in it that shouldn't have been there. One would hope they made a "fresh batch".
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Rising numbers could be something seasonal. Some have higher BG when its warmer and others have higher numbers when its colder. Some could be like me sometimes and honor all 4 seasons. Stress can also cause a rise in BG.
I think it would be worth trying a reduced dosage especially if everything else has been mostly unchanged. It could take a while to work out of your system if that is it.
I think it would be worth trying a reduced dosage especially if everything else has been mostly unchanged. It could take a while to work out of your system if that is it.
"It could take a while"--that's my experience. I tried going back down to 1,000 maybe two weeks ago, but I only waited a few days, and it seemed inconclusive. I'll try again and wait longer! Maybe I'll be surprised and my numbers may have "fixed" themselves, too...
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Yeah, unfortunately, they keep finding batches with N-Nitrosodimethylamine in it . We have a thread here that lists the FDA recalls and it, indeed, spans almost two years now. Fortunately it's small batches being recalled.
I think mbuster's idea to go back to your old dose is a great idea.
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Your pharmacy didn't by chance swap brands somewhere between all being stable and when you started noticing the changes. Possibly the same size and shape of tablet with different markings? When mine changed I noticed it first off with the shape of the tablet and the imprint was different. Fortunately no notice in effects or effectiveness.
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Was just a thought I figured I might throw out there. I haven't personally experienced ill effects with a change in brands but have heard some people have. May have been ER versions and I've always been on the regular. I'm not sure how they intrinsically coat the active ingredient.
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