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What Causes Diarrhea And Constipation Inspite Of Being On Metformin?

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Posted on Wed, 6 May 2015
Question: Hello Doctor, Am having Diabetes & Hypertension. Been on medication for more than 10 yrs now. However, the metformin medicine that have been taking for diabetes has had its toll on my GIS with me getting frequent diarrhoea followed by constipation. This is like weekly or once a fortnight kind of episodes. Of late, I have been getting tingling feeling in my lower legs & I feel like passing stools. This happens 20-30 mins before I pass stools. The stools are hard by the way and it pains & I have to push them out at which time the tingling feeling in the legs intensify till the stools are eliminated.

What could be the problem here? Please advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
2 options

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your query.
I think I would be able to help you.
The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of gastroenterological side effects of metformin.
In these cases, 2 options are available -
1. To reduce the dose or stop metformin by addition of another medicine.
2. To take an extended release tablets. These usually reduce the side effects.
So I would suggest that you try one of the options after discussing with your regular doctor.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information helps you. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (6 minutes later)
Thanks doctor.

Do you think only taking Galvus 50 w/o Metformin or Glucobay will help control sugar levels? Is there any cheaper substitute to Galvus 50?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
specific information

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have read your query.
Unfortunately, there is no cheaper alternative for galvus. Also I think it is a good option to change from metformin to galvus.
I hope that the information helps you. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

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What Causes Diarrhea And Constipation Inspite Of Being On Metformin?

Brief Answer: 2 options Detailed Answer: Hi I am Dr Mittal. I have read your query. I think I would be able to help you. The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of gastroenterological side effects of metformin. In these cases, 2 options are available - 1. To reduce the dose or stop metformin by addition of another medicine. 2. To take an extended release tablets. These usually reduce the side effects. So I would suggest that you try one of the options after discussing with your regular doctor. I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information helps you. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.