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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Changing From Metformin HCL To Metforin ER Can Cause Bad Diarrhea And Intestinal Cramps ?

I am type 2 diabetic, and I'm on 500 mg metformin 2 tabs 2X daily - 2000 mg a day. I also take 5mg glipizide 2X daily and 20mg lisinopril 1X daily. I recently changed pharmacies and they changed my Metformin. I was on Metformin HCL 500XR and now I have Metformin ER - Both are supposed to be extended release, but the pills are different looking - different manufacturers. Since taking the new pills I have had diarrhea very bad and intestinal cramps ..... could there be that much difference between manufacturers? I have been on Metformin for 3 years, never seen anything like this.....
Fri, 28 Feb 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

You have to understand that one of the known side effect of the Metformin is diarrhea and Abdominal cramps.
Metformin HCL is an immediate-release formulation of metformin. It is taken multiple times each day. Metformin ER is an extended-release formulation of metformin. It can usually be taken once a day.
You have taken more than once in a day of this extended release
Further the maximum dose of Metformin ER should LOWER than the maximum dose of regular Metformin HCL.
You have taken same amount of extended release as regular metformin HCL.
Thus this increase the blood levels and may lead to side effects.

Hope this helps.
Please write back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
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Does Changing From Metformin HCL To Metforin ER Can Cause Bad Diarrhea And Intestinal Cramps ?

Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. You have to understand that one of the known side effect of the Metformin is diarrhea and Abdominal cramps. Metformin HCL is an immediate-release formulation of metformin. It is taken multiple times each day. Metformin ER is an extended-release formulation of metformin. It can usually be taken once a day. You have taken more than once in a day of this extended release Further the maximum dose of Metformin ER should LOWER than the maximum dose of regular Metformin HCL. You have taken same amount of extended release as regular metformin HCL. Thus this increase the blood levels and may lead to side effects. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.