There are 479 ratings for the drug: GLUCOPHAGE in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for glucophage: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

Page: 1  2 3 4 5    Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added.

Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken		Date Added
				F  M
Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading.
2	PCOS/Weight Loss	Stomach pains, gas and extreme mood swings.	I would not recommend this for anyone looking to help PCOS, the side effects are not worth it.	F	27	6 months		2/7/2010
4	pcos	gas, loose stools, tingling in legs at night	Taking it for pcos and excess testosterone. I've been on it ten days. First few days caused embarrassing gas/diarrhea that led to 2 accidents. All i'm saying is: resist the urge to fart until you can get to a toilet!! Then I realized you have to take it right after a meal not before, and avoid dairy. No new acne yet..this is the most wonderful news..i'm keeping my fingers crossed that it stays this way as nothing else has worked for me..my chin hair growth has slowed noticably in the last couple days...also i have lost about 2 lbs:)...oh and my cycle-related breast pain/swelling-which has been getting worse lately totally went away after four days on this drug. also i noticed a return of vaginal moisture and secretions almost immediately, (i used to be dry all of the time.) i did start my period 4 days early today. i am used to it only being 3 days long but i hope it returns to 5-7 days. the last side effect i wanted to mention is at night my legs feel tingly, like they are floating, and then i end up jerking them to get rid of the sensation. not sure what thats about, but i think i remember from nursing school that it indicates an electrolyte problem. not on any other meds but multi vitamins.	F	30	10 days		2/6/2010
3	TYPE 2 DIABETES	DIARREAH, BUT NOT AS BAD AS MOST DESCRIBE.."GURGLY STOMACH" GAS, I FEEL TIRED AND HUNGRY.. BUT NOT SURE IF IT IS RELATED SINCE IT IS STILL VERY EARLY ON THE MEDS	I'VE ONLY BEEN TAKING IT FOR 2 DAYS, BUT MY BLOOD SUGARS ARE STILL VERY HIGH. I HAVE HAD BOUTS OF A "GURGLY" STOMACH, BUT MOSTLY FLATULANCE AND DIARREAH COMES ABOUT 5 HOURS AFTER TAKING THE PILL. I'M ON 500MG 2X A DAY. ANYONE KNOW HOW LONG IT TAKES TO SEE BENEFITS?	F	31	2 days		1/25/2010 Email
4	Insulin Resistance & PCOS	somewhat loose bowels, weight loss, decreased appetite	I've struggled with PCOS for years and was recently diagnosed with Insulin Resistance. Started taking Metformin 4 days ago and have lost 5 pounds. I've had somewhat loose bowels, but no diarrhea. I've struggled to eat over 1000 calories in a day. I've lost all cravings for sweets and carbs :)	F	28	4 days		1/23/2010
5	PCOS and Insulin Resistance	Metallic taste in mouth and mild nausea when taking with an empty stomach.	I first started taking this medication when I was 16. I weighed in at 170lbs. The first week was icky but not unbearable. I had no bowel symptoms just a metallic taste and nausea when I took it on an empty stomach. Six months later on a low-carb diet (Allowing a Saturday splurge - though most cravings had vanished) and a 30minute work out once a week I was down to 125. Being a foolish teenager and considering myself cured I went off the medication only to regain the weight and fall into the same slump I had been at 16. 8 years later I'm back on the medication and aside from the metallic taste (Which I know will go away in about a week.) I'm feeling fabulous but mourning the fact I no longer care for chocolate!	F	24	2 weeks		1/20/2010 Email
3	High Sugar/Pre-Diabetes	I have experienced Diarrhea.on a fairly regular basis. http://diabetes.webmd.com/tc/prediabetes-medications [We MD] is a good reference. Obiously, we all know that diet and exercise is a critical component of controlling diabetes. Be your own advocate, do research about any medication, and then ask your doctor. Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin is a good quick reference. The Diabetes Self-Management site at http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/Blog/Amy-Campbell/metformin_and_risk_for_vitamin_b12_deficiency/ notes that Metformin may cause a vitamin B12 deficiency and to ask your doctor if this is the case with you. Side effects of B12 deficiency are numbness, pain, or tingling in your hands or feet. Metformin/Glucophage may cause kidney problems, so I also take Dandelion. Web MD also has a homeopathic article on Milk Thistle, but use caution if you also opt for this additional homeopathic option: "Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to		F	54	1 years		1/14/2010
2	Diabetes type 2	General 'not well' feeling, abdominal pains, intense hunger, nasty bowel movements	I take 500 mg twice daily. It has lowered my blood sugar about 40 or so points, but the side effects are quite bothersome. I suspect my Doctor will want to increase it the next time I see her and am anticipating that the side effects will be even worse. Thay have not decreased since I began taking it.	M	52	2 months		1/13/2010
5	PCOS	diarrhea for the first two weeks that now is gone. tiredness that also went away.	I lost 13 lbs on this drug without effort (from 127 to 114), my sugar cravings and binges simply went away. I still eat some candy, but I eat a couple pieces and that's enough where as before, since I was insulin resistent, I was craving sugar non stop. I also now have much more regular periods which is a blessing. I also see a decrease in my acne (actually don't need creams any more). This drug literally changed my life.	F	29	6 months		1/11/2010
4	PCOS	I have been on this med once before and couldnt handle the diaherrea. Now back on started at 250m now up to 1500m a day. Had some diahrrea the first few weeks with nausea and stomache pain but now am doing better.	Me and my Husband decided to do this to try for baby #2. I finally got my period after several months without. Now I am 10d post period and am having light spotting. Does anyone know what this could be from? I have never had this problem and am a little nervous.	F	25	4 weeks		1/9/2010 Email
3	PCOS/ Infertility	I'm taking Glucophage 1500mg XR. I had diarrhea the first day, and now I alternate b/t loose stool and constipation depending on what I eat. It's not too bad. I gradually increased my dosage and I think this helped minimize my symptoms. BUT I've always had very regular periods and now my period is late (only 4 days, but strange for a drug that's supposed to "regulate" periods.) Has anyone had a similar experience???	My RE put me on this medication because my blood work came back with abnormal hormonal levels suggesting PCOS...and a vaginal ultrasound confirmed multiple cysts in my left ovary only. I have NO OTHER SYMPTOMS of PCOS. I've always had regular periods, I ovulate regularly, I am underweight if anything, I don't have acne, and don't have hirsutism. I still have a hard time believing I really have PCOS, but after 4 years ttc I am willing to try anything. Additionally, despite always having regular 28-day cycles, my first month on Glucophage I am 4 days late for my period. What gives? Has anyone had a similar experience???	F	30	30 days		1/7/2010 Email
4	type II diabetes			M	76	10 years		1/4/2010
4	High Insulin	Initially diarrhea for the first 2 days, but nothing else since then. I was really scared after reading some of the posts but I finally tried it and was very surprised that my body got used to it so quickly.	My insulin is now in normal levels and I have also lost weight along with a low fat/good carb diet. I do not crave sweets, pasta, breads, etc. AMAZING!	M	51	2 months		1/2/2010
3	type 2 diabetes	I get little stomach aches from time. I have a lot more gas. Was worried about diarrhea after reading posts but I didn't have that problem but do find when I have to go I need to get to the bathroom quick. Loss of appetite.	I haven't seen to much change in my blood sugar levels yet I am hoping this happens soon. The first month I had the worse period very heavy. This month better. I am taking 1000 mg twice a day.	F	45	1 months		1/1/2010
5	weight loss	nausua, but only after eating carbs.	I craved carbs before, and my weight loss dr gave me this to try. I take 500mg at night and its slow release. This is just enough to curb my cravings, and I have dropped weight. Now when I see sweets, I don't really want them. Plus the carb related nausua helps me regulate eating so much of them.	F	44	6 weeks		12/27/2009 Email
5	Type 2 diabetes	Initially cramping,gas(toxic. Could be used as a WMD)47lb weight loss. Nausea. Now on the time release..much better.	Good drug. Weight loss is from really no appetite. Some days I eat like a pig..others just not interested. Overall I feel great and my numbers are good as well.	F	54	6 months		12/16/2009
4	A1C was a little high/poss. PCOS	I am wondering if anyone had these side effects as well: tiredness, hungry feeling (almost right before it's time to take another pill), & got a slight "period" earlier than normal even though I'm on the pill. Also, I "accidently" forgot I wasn't supposed to drink and had 2 beers while taking Metformin and I felt drunk so quickly and was hot in my face. I hope I can still drink eventually and this doesn't happen to me next time. (Even though I am not even a big drinker!)	I am taking Metformin. Just started this week with 250/2x day, now 500 mgs/2x day. Will be going up to 1000mgs/2x day. Hoping this helps me to regulate my blood sugar and also lose weight (my "gut"). I am hoping this pill doesn't affect my birth control pill! I was TERRIFIED to start taking this because I am extremely scared of throwing up! But I've been "OK" so far. :) Since I have only been this for a week, it's hard to give this a rating. I give it a "4" for now.	F	36	7 days		12/11/2009 Email
5	diabetes	For about 4 or 5 months I had frequent diarrhea but thankfully that subsided and I tolerate it quite well now.	I had a A1C of 12.7 when diagnosed and then ended up with 6.2 after 4 months of metformin and diabetes change.	M	37	8 months		12/3/2009 Email
5	PCOS/insulin resistance	nausea, bloating, diarrhea	I was originally put on metformin by a fertility specialist after being diagnosed with PCOS and insulin resistance. When I was trying to get pregnant, I stopped taking birth control pills and my PCOS symptoms increased dramatically. I have always been a fairly healthy person- I like healthy food and anjoy being active. But regardless, I was usually about 20-30 lbs overweight. Metformin gave me regular periods, more energy, a small waistline (size 12-size 6), and allowed me to have a beautiful healthy baby girl. I did have have some very uncomfotable symptoms at first, but I slowly increased my dose starting from one pill a day with dinner. The worst symptoms disappeared- UNLESS I WAS EATING UNHEALTHY. One of the ways metformin works is to prevent your body from absorbing all the sugar from starchy food. If you eat food with a high glycemic index, that food doesn't get digested by you- it sits in your GI tract and gets fermented by bacteria. Hence the blaoting and diarrhea. So if you have a lot of symptoms while taking metformin, it may be due to eating the food that is contributing to your condition to begin with.	F	33	6 months		12/2/2009 Email
5	insulin resistence	Little or no side effects, until the fifth month of use. Joint pain, lower back pain on right side, and began spotting about a month ago. Lost 17 pounds with no effort, but am finding it back again and feel depressed. Back pain is of major concern right now and joint pain.	I've suffered with pcos and panic disorder for most of my adult life. Metformin has seemed like a miracle until now. I've had such tremendous energy! I've felt some a wonderful sense of calm and could almost stop taking xanax.Also leg pain that was intense after standing is all but gone. But in the fifth month of use, I've developed joint pain and lower back pain, some leg pain and beginning to spot after no periods at all in over a year. And before that, a complete year. I've been reading about having a B 12 problem while on this drug and am concerned. I'm more than concerned...I'm worried now that maybe this drug has brought on another set of problems. Any feedback would be very helpful. Thanks!	F	54	5 months		11/27/2009 Email
4		Constipation, otherwise great Blood Glucose control, A1C 6, FBS 80-110. ONLY The GENERIC BRAND worked for me.	I first started with the ROACHE brand for 4 weeks, it did NOTHING for my blood sugar. I switched to a generic brand made by another company and it worked perfectly, same dose, and has worked perfectly for 2 years. I take 500mg 3 times daily b/f meal. Wonderful.	F	52	2 years		11/20/2009
2	PCOS	Tiredness, very thirsty	I tried this medication for PCOS a couple of years ago and only lasted a few days because of the tiredness. I just tried again and after only one day I feel like I have taken a sleeping pill and am extremely thirsty. I have heard these side effects can go away after a week or two, but I may investigate more natural solutions for PCOS.	F	36	2 days		11/13/2009
4	PCOS	Stomach Pain, Fatigue, Aches	My doctor told me that if you reduce eating fatty foods you will experience less gas and stomach pain. I have tried to do this and I think this is true. Ive noticed that when I eat less fatty foods, I have less stomach pain. That may help those who are having bad gas or stomach pain. Im on my second week of 500 mg and I am now taking it twice a day and next week I will take it 3 times daily.	F	21	2 weeks		11/10/2009
4	Insulin Reistance	Taking 1 x 500mg GLUCOPHAGE just before breakfast and again before dinner - no side effects. If I increased to 3 x 500mg or if I took it without food, the side effects were terrible stomach upset and loose bowels.	Energy levels are more 'steady' and weight that was impossible to shift before is shifting (-15lbs in 36 days). I already had low carb diet and gymmed 6x a week - so transitioning to recommend program was not difficult. Only problem now is I've not had my usually regular period. Doc put me on HRT yesterday. I don't want to take it.	F	46	36 days		11/7/2009 Email
5	PCOS/TTC	Stomach Cramps,Going to the bathroom often and urgently	I love this med. and hate it! It's sometimes a pain literally, but it works. I have been ovulating more frequently, but still long cycles around 35 days. I am just now starting Clomid with this and hoping that works.	F	30	3 months		10/23/2009
2	PCOS	Extreme bloatness and gas. I was able to go to the bathroom regularly until I started this medicine. I thought this medicine was suppose to make you go the bathroom. I have to take metamucil now and I still do not produce a bowel like I did prior to taking this medicine.		F	32	7 days		10/14/2009
4	PCOS			F	20	1 years		10/5/2009
1	Weight loss, insulin resistant	Extreme bloating causing painful abdomen, constipation, gas.	I decided to add my feedback because my experience has been so OPPOSITE of everyone else. My bloating was so severe that I couldn't button my pants. I actually looked like I gained weight on this. The gas was awful too. I stopped taking it on my own because after 3 weeks my symptoms did not subside.	F	47	3 weeks		9/26/2009
4	PCOS	Stomach cramping, loss of appetite, light headed if I go too long without eating. 500 mg a day. Dr says that those symptoms with go away within 2-3 weeks.	I have been on Glucophage for 5 days. I have already started a period after not having one for 2 months.	F	29	5 days		9/21/2009
1	weightloss due to lypodystrophy	constant, explosive diarrhea	I have left more pairs of dirty underwear in bathrooms than walmart sells in a month. Chronic diarrhea, explosive and uncontrolable. Constantly looking for the nearest toliet.	M	38	1 years		9/21/2009 Email
4	type II	on the first three days I felt distant,grumpy, and shakey. Fine now. Some effects could be from glipizide that I also take.	has done a great job at bring down my blood sugar,(from over 400 down to the low 100's. Increased energy, better mood.	M	40	45 days		9/19/2009 Email
3	Type 2 diabetes	No real GI problems initially, no diarrhoea, mild nausea. Now really bad constipation and gas. Hope the constipation resolves itself.	Can do without the constipation but am somewhat relieved that it is due to metformin and nothing more sinister..........I hope!	F	47	2 months		9/10/2009
3	PCOS	So far none except fatique	I have only been taking this for about a week now. Hopefully it will help out asap!!	F	23	7 days		9/10/2009 Email
5	Insulin resistance, PCOS		Update of an update of an update - Metformin works wonder for me, even up to this day. Lost 23 pounds in all. Recommended!	F	37	10 months		9/9/2009
1	type II	FECAL INCONTINENCE-and it took me months to figure out it was the Metformin. I also have had a lot of trouble breathing and I never made the connection to Metformin. I broke out in a really bad rash, and stopped taking it, the FI went away, so I asked Doc to give me something new. DON'T TAKE METFORMIN!		F	38	6 months		9/4/2009
5	Weightloss PCOS	diarrhea, heart burn, some stomach cramping, smelly gas	I started Metformin on Monday 8/24/09 - 250mg twice a day, morning and evening. Medication to be taken with food. I need to lose 50 pounds and have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, PCOS. I am 54 years old and have also had breast cancer, DCIS. I am hopeful that this medication will help regulate my PCOS. The first day I felt a bit strange, not dizzy but kind of not right if that makes sense. The second day I had diarrhea, not painful but had go GO NOW feeling. Today, I had 1/2 sandwich on wheat bread and made the mistake of putting a slice of cheese on my turkey sandwich. A few hours later I got stomach cramps and explosive diarrhea that lasted about 20 minutes and have had to visit the potty at least 4 times since then. Other than these episodes I'm doing fine. I see my doctor on September 7th for blood work. If all goes well, she will be increasing the dosage. I am not exercising right now but am pretty active. I'll keep everyone posted on my progress. I think cutting out carbs is the answer to this medication because I do feel much better if I've eaten a lot of veggies and protein. Would LOVE to hear from those who have lost a lot of weight with this drug, how long it took you and what type of diet you were on etc. Thanks so much!!	F	54	6 days		8/29/2009 Email
4	PCOS	I started taking 500gms once a day for a week, I had diarrhoea for most of the days. I then increased the dosage to 2 lots of 500gms a day. Still had the same diarrhoea problem with this but it was only in the mornings so it wasnt too bad. A week after that I increased the dosage to 3 tablets of 500gms a day. I straight away had quite bad abdominal pains, back ache and headaches. On the plus side tit seemed to bring back my periods which I havent had for 4 months. Which I think is why I had the abdominal pains. Overall as it has brought back my periods it is well worth taking if you can handle going to toilet few times a day.		F	21	3 weeks		8/29/2009
5	insulin resistance			F	54	90 days		8/27/2009
5	PCOS/Trying to Conceive	I began the metformin about 5 weeks ago because I had been diagnosed with PCOS and clomid alone was not working for me.	I struggled to get a period after stopping birth control in order to get pregnant. After about 6 months of trying to get pregnant (realistically it wasn't going to happen without a period) my doctor told me to go on metformin with clomid. I began the metformin about 5 weeks ago. I started out on 500 mg once a day, increased to 500 mg twice a day during week two, and 500 mg three times a day during week three and from there out. The first 3 weeks were rough... I had horrible diarhea many times a day and couldn't hardly take it. But I lost about 10 pounds in those weeks and my acne cleared. I have not had hairloss at all on my head like some others have reported. I have since found out that I am pregnant and that my levels are looking good so hopefully it can work for everyone else too. I totally 100% recommend it. If anyone has questions or concerns, feel free to email me!	F	22	45 days		8/14/2009 Email
1	First time script for Diabetes II	Nausea, dizziness, smell sensitivity to wanting to vomit, flu-like symptoms	Don't even remember the dosage, probably low. Within 10 days, as it increased daily, I felt like I had the flu plus a few other symptoms. I had to leave work early, go to bed and hope I felt better in the morning after the drug had left my system. Doctor didn't change dosage.	F	52	10 days		8/10/2009
1	Type 2 Diabetes	Diarreah, joint pain, nausea, weakness, weight gain, peripheral edema, blood disorders, High triglycerides, kidney and liver problems.	I took it for a year and 1/2 and now all my health is messed up. I've got organ damage because of Metformin, Januvia and Glucotrol. Please, check always about allergic reactions to medications before taking them so you don't end up like me. Now I am allergic to all Diabetes Oral medications. Good Luck! You may email me if you need further info.	M	40	1.5 years		7/28/2009 Email
4	Insulin resistence-hypothyroidism	Started 500mg 1x day for 2 wks increasing to 2000mg. was told to take it at dinner. threw up 4 nights a week. Split the dose taking 1000mg in am and 1000mg in eve. MUCH BETTER!!!! I don't care if it said XR. I couldn't live like that. Diarrhea and vomiting all the time. Now that that I split it, I just am sure to take it with food. Now I am constipated - lots. Can't win but... and this makes it worth it, I have lost 25 lbs in 3 months. It is just a question of managing the side effects. I have respect for how miserable it can make me if I abuse carbs. I also take lots of B vitamin supplements. Helps with mood swings, lethargy, depression, and malaise I was experiencing. I will continue to take it, just carefully.		F	47	4 months		7/17/2009
3	PCO	The 1st few days, taking just 500 mg/day, I only felt mild tiredness (maybe b/c my blood sugar dropped?). Then, since increasing to 1000 mg/day, I have had AWFUL heart burn and I had diarrhea for several days (even taking w/ food). My appetite has changed, no desire WHATSOEVER for candy or chocolate. I seem to be hungrier for small snacks, and not for large meals.	I am hoping this will regulate my periods, and get me on the path to fertility. I also hope it will clear my acne, and help me maintain a weight loss. After 2 weeks, all I notice is side effects.	F	28	2 weeks		7/9/2009
3	PCOS	light headed to the point that I have to lay down, a loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, and feeling overall very tired.	I am mostly concerned about the dizziness because it is making it hard to function day to day. If anyone else has experienced this and has any pointers please email me.	F	28	8 days		6/30/2009 Email
1	Type II diabetes	nausea, hair loss, vomiting occasional, hair loss didn't know why, constant constipation, gasss, bloating, light headed, dizziness, no weight loss what so ever	I HATE this medicine and have been ignored by my VA doctor of my complaints, she thinks I'm crazy! I've been taking this stuff since early 2000, open for better suggestions to relate to another doctor	F	54	11 years		6/16/2009 Email
3	diabetes			M		6 years		6/15/2009
4	weight gain from anti-psychotics	Diarrhea the second day. Occasional light headiness, some days super tired (fell asleep even after taking Adderall), just one mild headache, mouth tastes weird, more thirsty	I take 500mg twice a day. Definitely take it with food or you are more likely to experience stomach issues. Don't go too long w/o eating or you get light headed. Overall, the side-effects have been mild and short lived. Like it so far (lost 3 lbs the first week)	F	27	14 days		6/14/2009
4	PCOS and Infertility	Dizziness, nausea, and muscle pain for the first month, soft stool thoughout entire time taking meformin, pain and acheness in upper back, and recently began noticing that I am losing hair (on my head) - now my hair is only about half as thick as it use to be. Does anyone know if hair will grow back after stopping medication?	Other than the hair loss I can deal with all of the other side effects. I was really hoping that this med would work because my husband and I really want to have a child however I do not want to contiue taking it if I am going to loose all of my hair.	F	27	3.5 months		6/11/2009 Email
4	for my insuline resistance	actually my side effects are unlike most of the other patients who are experiencing diarhea, am experiencing constant constipation! and very bad nausea and tiredness!		F	33	30 days		6/10/2009
1	Type 2	Very sick. Throwing up, Naseua bad cramps, continued diarrhea bad		M	55	3 weeks		6/10/2009 Email
5	PCOS	Bad GAS	I like this drug, but I fart like crazy. Can anyone give some good advice about that. I'm a young lady, but I'm farting like a big brute! The smell is out of sight too!	F	30	2 months		5/19/2009
5	PCOS	Gas, Gas, and more Gasssssss! Shooo WEEEEE!		F	30	2 months		5/14/2009
4	Insulin Resistance / PCOS	terrible diarrhoea, nausea, lost all desire to eat, gas	I have lost 11 pounds in about a week, I have cut my carb intake to under 75 grams a day and I also eat 25 grams of fiber a day. I can only eat lean meats or I get very ill. The thing I miss most is butter. But PCOS was dominating my life, well no more. I take 1000mg a day 1 500mg am with FOOD (and 10 mg fiber from food not supplament) and 1 500mg pm with food (and fiber from food not supplament). I have energy again. Stick with the med and know your limits as far a diet and you'll be amazed with the results. Eat the fat and sugar and pay later!	F	28	2 weeks		5/4/2009
3	high blood sugar	none noted. hard to tell due to the girth of other meds due to brain tumor.	Metformin does not work yet Glucophage does.	M	61	10 years		5/3/2009
5	pre diabetes	sometimes a little acid stomach which is remedied by eating a small protein snack, nuts or something. Loose bowels once in awhile, no big deal. Smellier gas, but so what.	My glucose readings have improved a great deal. I have lost no weight despite eating little and exercising regularly. But having better readings is great. So far haven't experienced hair thinning. Have been on it for about 6 weeks, 500mg extended release.	F	63	6 weeks		5/1/2009
5	Type II Diabetes	Mild nausea	starting dose was 500 and I also take synthroid for hypothroidism and between both health issues I was having difficulty losing any weight. I work out 3-5 times a week at a high intensity and nothing changed. Doc upped dosage to 2000 a day and so far so good, no side effects and I'm losing weight	F	45	1 years		4/22/2009
3	Type II Diabetes	none so far	Just started taking metformin today..starting to feel bubble guts but no diaherra..was diagnosed yesterday and my a1c number was 12.8..i guess that's really bad..all this is new to me..also my blood sugar was 235 after only eating a sandwich and a couple vitamin water bottles..i need all the advice i can get	M	31	1 days		4/21/2009 Email
3	Diabetes type 2	Doc started me on 1000mg Glucophage x 2 a day, i.e. 2,000mg a day. Within a week my blood glucose (on a low-carb, almost no-carb diet) started dropping to almost normal levels. But also, then came the gastro-int. effects everyone mentions -- and then I noticed the hair loss. This was devastating as I have babyfine hair. I lost 12 kg which was really enough. I cut back to 1 x 500mg tablet per day. The GI symptoms went away, my bs went up! The hair loss, after taking $$$$ of supplements, slightly reversed itself after 12 months!!! But my bs went up.	Unfortunately, because my last A1C came back as 6.1% (on the edge of normal) I decided to add back another 500g Glucophage ... One tab in the morning, one at night. I've been back, therefore, on 1000mg a day -- and after 5 days my blood glucose has dropped ... and so is my hair: falling out again!!! I'm between a rock and a hard place: either I risk the higher blood sugar, or I keep my hair. I'm a woman. The choice is simple: I'd rather keep my hair, which is thin and soft enough. Yikes. (By the way, I am now on the XR (extended release) tablets. There seems to be no diff. between the 2 types).	F	67	15 months		4/12/2009
2	I.R.	I am haveing alot of bathroom problems..i always always have to know where one is or my chances of haveing an accident are high. I feel constantly sick to my tum. Before I started taking this med. i had regular periods...but now mine is missing?? I dont know if this is a normal side effect or not?		F	25	2 weeks		4/7/2009 Email
1	Type 2 diabetes	Diarrhea.	Don't believe anyone who tells you that you might experience episodes of diarrhea which will go away as "your body adjusts" to this drug. In my case, it was the opposite -- no problems at first but gradually over a period of many months I started experiencing episodes of diarrhea. Eventually it became almost a continuous ocurrence -- I had to always be aware of where the bathroom was everywhere I went. It got so bad that I even ended up taking Immodium as a precautionary measure every time I got on a plane or took a long car trip. I began to wonder if I had Chron's disease or IBS. Never related it to the Metformin since I hadn't had problems to begin with. Then I saw a gastroenterologist who suggested I try stopping Metformin. Within 48 hours I was totally cured! And have been normal ever since. This is a horrible drug.	M	60	2 years		4/1/2009
5	insulin resistant	really bad gas...and occasional diarrhea....other then that this pill is a miracle!!!	where do i begin...after not having a period for 3 months i went to my doc for some blood work and found out i was insulin resistant so she prescribed metformin. i take 500 mg twice a day with meals...i have totally changed my eating habits and along with walking every other day i have lost 20 pounds in 3 months! and not to mention my periods are regular again. i have so much more energy...and it has also cleared my acne....its a miracle pill!!!!!	F	22	3 months		3/27/2009
2	High A!C and Dysautonomia	Gained 15 pounds first 30 days. A1C dropped first 6 months then increased to highest ever next 6 months (2 full points from 6.0 to 8.0)		F	65	1 years		3/17/2009
5	newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic	The first day I took the meds I had explosive episodes in the bathroom. I went to the bathroom 14 times in one day with bad cramping and well, you know. If I did not get to the toliet in .98 seconds, I was in trouble. I had read all the posts prior to taking the meds to prepare myself and thought to myself, oh boy I am in for a ride with these meds. HOWEVER, the next day I had NO side effects and I have not had any side effects whatsoever since that first day ( I am using the time release XR version)	It's been 16 days and I am very thankful and pleased to report that I guess the drug does not produce severe side effects in everyone. My sugar level has come down very nicely together with radically changing my diet and incorporating excersise into my life. Over all I have no complaints and would encourage you not to get overwhelmed by the various reactions because it may not affect YOU the same way.	M	39	16 days		3/13/2009
4	PCOS	QUESTION: I have taken two of these pills, yesterday at three and this morning at eight and I don't have side effects yet. Can any of you tell me when you first started having the SE's? Thanks!	QUESTION: I have taken two of these pills, yesterday at three and this morning at eight and I don't have side effects yet. Can any of you tell me when you first started having the SE's? Thanks!	F	27	2 days		3/12/2009 Email
5	P.C.O	lol @ farts, Glucophage has what I call trigger foods, certain foods will add to the um smell or amount of em. You learn to kinda play with when to take it (ex. dont take it right before eating pizza lol, you'll regret it, well ok the ppl in the room will lol)	Not sure if ask a patient will allow this link, but this was a story they did on my weight loss with glucophage in our local paper AJC. Glucophage / Metformin can be a pain in the butt to get use to but Trust me yall, its worth it !!!! http://www.ajc.com/services/content/health/stories/2009/03/02/weight_loss_success_Powell.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=9	F	31	2 years		3/11/2009 Email
5	Type 2 Diabetes	Diarrhea the first few days; other than that, no side effects	This has been a wonderful medication for me! In addition to losing 28 pounds with very little effort, I have much more energy now than I did before taking metformin.	F	50	120 days		3/3/2009
4	Diabetes Mellitus	Severe diarrhea and some cramps that do not subside over time. I also have moderate hair loss. Sometimes I feel lightheaded. Still it is the only drug that works better for me. I take 1000mg twice a day with Amaryl 4mg	I used to take the XR but the reaction was too bad and now take the regular pill. The drug also made me loose weight I had gained when taking Avandia, it was a dramatic change in very short time.	M	58	2 years		3/3/2009
4	PCOS w/IR	I presently feel really good. I have only experienced 2 negative side effects- 1 being gas that is more prevelant approx. and up to 9 hours after taking. I fill a little bloated but nothing that is effecting my clothing. 2nd would be becoming extremely hungry if I don't eat something around every 2 hours. The further away I get from taking the pill the less prevelant it is, which I assume is because the meds are working out of the body. On a happy note this is day 4 and show a 5 pd weight loss already.	I am overall pleased with my bodies response to 500 mg once a day. My dose will go up after 7 days then again after 14 days. I only have one concern and that is how quickly the weight is coming off. I have noticed a lack of desire to eat sugary or starchy foods. I don't have a problem eating meals I am just making healhy choices when I do. I did loose weight from 2002-2004 (60 pds) but it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I worked hard labor and exercised a minimum of 1 hour a night with a 1200 cal strick diet. I am now praticing 1500-1700 cals a day low fat healthy carbs little to no sugar. I haven't started exercising yet and will add slowly so I don't overwhelm myself.	F	31	4 days		2/27/2009
5	PCOS	The Usual GI symptoms listed in the other ratings IE. Farting, Diarrhea, cramps	In spite of the Loud Gross Farting (My Husband asked if we were living in FARTVILLE)LOL, Diarrhea and cramps...I must say this is worth it for PCOS. Anyone have tips for the embarrassing/stinky Flatulence? I have never farted so much in my entire life! Still worth it though!	F	32	3 months		2/26/2009
5	t2 diabetes	first 2 weeks experienced diarrhea no cramps it then subsided over a 1 week period	I take 500mg 2x a day it has done wonders for my blood sugar and my 6mnth a1c is now a steady 4.5 - 5.0 down from a 7 when i first started taking it 2 yrs ago. I see people with positive experiences on here saying keep on taking it even though it makes you wish you were dead. Um not so much. What good is living if the meds you take make you feel really really bad, or worse. My doctor has always told me if a cure makes you feel worse than the condition, then we need to find a different cure. you and the doctor should be on the same team (team you). You and the doctor should actively participate in your recovery not just the doctor. If you feel this is not the case you should change doctors or become more active in your recovery if your not already. Just my opinion.	M	39	720 days		2/23/2009 Email
3	PCOS & Insulin Resistance	Hair loss, Diarrhea, Thyroid Issues.	Explosive diarrhea, Loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, hair loss, no real change in blood sugar levels even on a strick diet. Occasionally get extremly tired after taking metformin. My thyroid levels have been abnormal since taking this medication. Not sure if it's from the medication or not. I also noticed that I wake up with dry mouth and tend to be thirsty more.	F	40	180 days		2/22/2009
4	PCOS	A little bit of loss of apitite and I am drinking more water than I used to (but I drink a lot of water already)	This is my second time starting this medicine. The first time was a year ago and it was the extended release version. I quit after 1 month because of the stomach cramping. After my sister who also has PCOS got pregnant using it I decided to give it another try. This time around I am on the non extended release at 500mg 2x a day. When I went on it the first I had done a lot of research before ever taking it so I knew what kind of side effects the medicine has. With both times starting out I also took it along with and anti-diarrhea pill. This combination keep me from the dreaded diarrhea side effect. This second time around my doctor gave me and anti-nausea pill to take the first two weeks until I get used to the medicine. The combination of the three medicines has keep me side effect free.	F	33	7 days		2/20/2009
5	insulin resistance	I have had none of the side effects described here. None of the intestinal problems, headaches, nothing. In fact, I have more energy and feel better than I have in a long time. The best thing is that my appetite has decreased, and I have lost ten pounds since I started taking metformin. Also, my cholesterol dropped by 11 points. I take 1000 mg. a day. One in the morning, and one in the evening.	I can't say enough good things about this drug. For me, it has been a miracle.	F	50	2 months		2/10/2009
4	PCOS	I experienced stomach aches when initially taking it and still do occassionally if I don't eat enough food before taking it. It seems to help if I eat half of my meal, take the medicine, and then eat the rest.	I started taking Metformin at the beginning on January to help with my PCOS. I am taking 1000mg twice a day. I still haven't had a period and was wondering how long it takes to regulate? I have taken pregnancy tests and they are negative. Any suggestions?	F	27	1 months		2/4/2009 Email
4	PCOS	Nausea, Light-headedness, stomach cramps follwed by diarreha that comes on very quickly within minutes of cramps.	When I first started taking it I felt horrible for the first few weeks. I would feel fine and then would have to lay down and close my eyes due to the light headedness and nausea. Just felt sick. Dr. recommended taking entire dose at night after a good dinner which worked well. I still get light-headed and am dealing with the cramps/diarreha. My periods are still not regular, my cholestrol has come down significantly. I have lost 30 pounds and do experience severe light-headedness if I miss a meal.	M	34	1.5 years		1/28/2009
5	P.C.O. {polycystic ovary syndrome }	Update of a update lol. Ive came here a couple times over the years. So far 130 pounds weight loss, regular periods. I still swear by glucophage / metformin. It has helped me with P.C.O so much. I still ever so often get the lose bowels or constipation but not no where near as often when you first get on it. I take 1,000 mg x 2 a day.	Your welcome to email me any questions. There isn't anything I haven't experienced or been thru on it that I get ashamed to talk about lol. I wish this site had been around years ago when I started lol	F	31	2 years		1/27/2009 Email
3	PCOS	loss of appetite, nausea, light headedness (if I go too long without eating)	Hoping it will regulate my cycles, reduce facial hair growth, and help with fertility later on. Still no sign of my period, so I'm hoping it'll eventually help with that. Taking 500mg 2x a day right now. Need to get updated hormone levels this week to see if I need to increase dosage.	F	30	4 weeks		1/27/2009
4	Type 2 Diabetes	Explosive diarrhea 15 minutes after taking-Was on 1000mg 2x day but now better with lower dose of Metformin XR. Have lost 26 pds.Bloodd sugars are normal.		F	54	3 years		1/26/2009
5	Diabetes Mellitus Type 2	for the first week of taking metformin i had bouts of diarhea. but that faded with continued usage.	Apparently i'm very responsive to this drug. Blood sugars are averaging out to 102 in the am and 87 in the pm. Its working great. Especially once the initial side effect of diarrhea wore off.	M	36	25 days		1/24/2009
4	Possible PCOS, Insulin resistance	Stomach upset (with sugar), flatulence, some nausea, and loose stools (depending on the amout of sugar I've ingested).	This is a great medication as long as I control the amout of sugar I take in. I've been on it since August '08, however taking it consistantly since the end of Novemver. I've lost 15lbs since November. I've noticed I'm not quite as hungry. i take 2 500mg twice daily.	F	25	6 months		1/23/2009 Email
3	Insulin resistance & PCOS	HAIR LOSS, HAIR LOSS, HAIR LOSS! I experienced the same side effects as everyone else, but over time, the hair loss worsens.	My 2nd month on Met-It worked wonderfully for my PCOS & my period resume the 1st month I was on Met. The side effects has lessen but weight loss stopped (I lost 14 pounds in 1st month,with no excercise) Hair loss is very evident now.	F	37	2 months		1/20/2009
5	PCOS	Embarrassing Fart Attacks, smelly GI attacks, etc.	Hello Everyone-This has done the trick to help out my PCOS. However, I have experienced the horrific Flatulance. My goodness you would think I'm some nasty old man :-( Overall I am pleased with the results for PCOS...Just need some perfume for my stinky butt!	F	32	3 months		1/19/2009
2	PCOS	Diarrhea,loss of libido,severe PMS,mood swings	I have been taking Metformin for about a year now and I have had pretty much the same side effects as everyone else.I have also noticed that I have severe acid reflux recently. I still have horrible diarrhea and I have to urinate constantly. I just do not feel emotionally like myself. As for my periods they are better than before but they are still not regular. I already have two wonderful children and we are not trying for more so I am not taking for any other reason that to help with my hormones. I am going to get my yearly liver, kidney, and hormonal tests done and depending on what the tests say I will more than likely quit taking it. I feel I have given it a fair chance and all the side effects are not worth it for me.	F	29	1 years		1/19/2009 Email
5	PCOS			F	31	3 months		1/16/2009
2	PCOS, weight loss	Bad gas, rumbling stomach, vicious diarrhea, tiredness, headache, dizziness	I just started taking the drug yesterday, and after three doses (500mg each) and reading this board, I think I'm going to have to stop. Right after I took the first pill I got bad gas, and then had insane diarrhea when I got home. I'm already on a high protein, low carb no sugar diet, so I don't know what else I can do on that end. I feel like crap. And I've already got thin hair -- don't need to lose it. :(	F	28	2 days		1/14/2009
2	Type 2	Extremely tender and inflamed joints, also muscle pain	At 750 mil/day, it was enough to drop my sugar from 124 to 103, however, the side effects were unacceptable. Although others claim a weight loss, I actually gained 15 pounds in the four months that I was using it. I could have lived with this, but the joint pain in my knees and hips was so severe that it even hurt when I was trying to lay in bed at night and I could no longer exercise in the morning. I dropped the dose to 250 mil/day and most side effects have disappeared with sugar now at about 115. This is about as close as I can compromise.	M	56	4 months		1/12/2009
5	Type 2 Diabetes	weight loss, Loose BMs & Excessive flatulence	Let me say that overall I am very please with this drug. it brought blood sugar levels down for my doctor to be happy. MAKE SURE you buy some Febreeze,GLADE, or AirWick Deodorizer though. I FART like crazy and it stinks BAD!!! It's embarrassing at times, because I think of myself as a proper lady, but the med has been worth it for my diabetes	F	27	4 months		1/6/2009
5	PCOS; insulin resistance	a little loose bowels at first; subsided, with no other symptoms.	Miracle.... an answer to my prayers. I lost weight, gained energy, and started having a regular period. All the symptoms of the PCOS cleared up... amazing. I take a fairly high dose (1000 mg, 2 x a day), yet I have no problems. Severely insulin resistant; glucophage is the only thing that has ever tackled it. It does upset the stomach in the beginning, start out slowly, build up as needed. I would suggest, for those who have major gastro issues, there is a possibility one's diet interacts with this medicine; the more sugar and carbs one takes in, the more likely, I think, one may have some continued gastro grief. It makes sense, this med does modify food.	F	33	9.5 years		1/2/2009
5	Diabetes	Flatulence, Nausea, diarrhea	This medicine has greatly helped with my diabetic condition. However, I have Explosive FARTING spells. The flatulance is much stinkier than normal which is embarrassing for a woman my age. I have an understanding boyfriend though....	F	28	1 months		12/30/2008
3	PCOS	Very acute nausea, acidity, diarrhoea and after taking it for 8 months i realised that my hair has thinned down to 1/3rd of what they used to be. In the earlier 6 month period i did lose 8 pounds but gained back after i stopped. Started again after a period of 2 months but not lost any weight this time around.	I am on 1500mg everyday for past 8 months...After taking it for 6 months initially my cysts cleared however they appeared again after a break of two months so i was on metformin again...same dose.However, i have noticed a great deal of hair loss and i am wondering whether it is any way related to metformin though i have read that there is no proved linkage scientifically. but hair loss is more pronounced now and it is making me very anxious.This medicine does work for PCOS.	F	26	240 days		12/28/2008 Email
5	Diabetes Type II, PCOS, Insulin Res	I rated 4 weeks ago abt Met-I started off on met on 22 Nov & everything stabilises by 25 Dec & my period showed up today! Am trilled as my period are rare & Met helped greatly! I dont feel well the first 2.5 weeks until it kicked in.	The nausea feel are always there but it showed results and improvements. My weight dropped 14 lbs in 5 weeks and my health got better. Anyone who felt ill on Met, dont give up! Just hang in there!!	F	37	4 weeks		12/25/2008
1	Type 2 diabetes	sudden and urgent need to have bowel movements; nausea, stomach cramps--felt increasingly unwell.	When dosage increased, symptoms increased, and occurred daily, and often several times a day--was afraid to go anywhere...didn't realize just how sick it was making me, until a wellness nurse suggested I contact physician, and ask to discontinue...was completely back to normal and feeling so much better in days!!!	F	52	2 years		12/22/2008
5	diabetes type 2	for XR: excessive farting, stinkier flatulence, mild nausea (~2 weeks), mild diarrhea for non-XR (1.5 weeks and counting): nausea, bit of soreness, loss of appetite, extremely smelly flatulence, diarrhea	The XR I started off at 500 mg/day in the evening and had initial flatulence and nausea and would improve after 2 weeks until I cranked up the dosage again up to 2000 mg/day. The flatulence then got to the point where it was extremely embarrassing even though my glucose control was pretty good as long as I was reasonably disciplined (ie, usually stayed below 160 as long as I didn't decide to eat a whole bowl of udon noodles or a big chunk of cake). Then I went off Metformin and tried Januvia, which allowed people around me to breathe easier but sent my A1C up to 7.6 (got my A1C to around 6.5 or so in a few months from a 9+ on the Metformin originally) Now I'm on JanuMet with the non-XR Metformin for a week and a half and feels like the side effects are worse this time around but I've heard that the XR is a lot easier to tolerate. So far I'm back to 115ish fasting instead of the "please let my fasting be below 140" ritual with Januvia. Let's hope my digestive system get	F	29	10 months		12/18/2008 Email
5	Diabetes Type 2	I started taking it 2 years ago. Initially I experienced diarrhea but I was losing weight so I put up with the diarrhea, eventually it went away.	I have lost 40 lbs. over the past 2 years since I started taking Glucophage. My A1C is now normal.	F	55			12/10/2008
3	pcos	I have been on this for 4 months now at first i was getting diaerha a lot then i read up on the insulin resistance diet (kinda like low carbs) and it has subsided a great deal. i am gassy still sometimes though. I have not lost any weight but i have not gained any either. i was dissy a lot. i talked to my aunt that is a rn and she said i need to check my blood surgar because it is most likly low if i am getting nausa and dizzy. so now i make sure i have some hard candy with me all the time.	i was taking Glucopauge and another drug i can't remeber how to spell it something like sprolatine (waterpill) to get my acne and hair growth under control. since ttc i have stoped taking the spro. and just metiformin but i have not had a period since taking them. I now have to take provera to get that started. i am not sure if the metformin is doing the job that ob/gyns want it to do for me and hlep make me ovulate. seeing i have not had a period i am not ovulating. but i will see what happens now that i have stoped taking the other drug. we will see in three months.	F	24	4 months		12/10/2008 Email
3	PCOS and Insulin Resistance	More Hungry, sligth body malaise, hair loss, sweaty	I am taking the medicine for two weeks now and I noticed that I grew more hungry than before (I wonder why cause it should suppress you to eat more right?) I feel more tired and some gas is there after eating rice/bread/potato. I wonder why is this happening. Hair loss became worst and I feel tired and I feel that I lack sleep even though I sleep for 10-12 hours.	F	27	2 weeks		12/8/2008
5	pcos	a little diarrhea and gas the first few days, a little difficulty concentrating, but that was all	for some reason, it helped me loose weight. i began it 9/6/08, and have lost 14 pounds. it also helped me regulate my hormones, which helped anxiety, but unsure why.	F	36	3 months		12/7/2008
3	to reduce belly fat	gas, diarrhea, but no nausea. type II diabetes in my family, so wanted to prevent onset; waiting for benefits; waistline of pants looser after just 2 days!		M	48	4 days		12/7/2008
4	Diabetes Type II, PCOS	I instantly felt very lethargic and needed over 12 hours of sleep. In the first week, I had body ache all over, slight diaarhea if I ate fried foods, Feeling queasy all the time, & bloating.	The good side : it drastically improved my sugar level from 300 down to 99-108, under a week of being on the medicine. Weight went down 2kg under 2 weeks, with no excercise at all. Recommended!	F	37	12 days		12/3/2008
2	diabetes	didn't help blood sugar that much		F	77	3 months		12/2/2008
2	PCOS	Explosive Diarrhea and nausea. So far having extreme hunger as well.	I was on this off and a few years ago for over a year. 2 different doctor's put me on it. It made me so sick and miserable, especially each time they increased my dosage, that I quit taking it for the past few years. I also never lost any weight on it. My OBGYN put me on it yesterday, so I could give it another try. I have been losing my hair since I was 15 and have always had trouble with my weight. I was able to lose 40 lbs off of the meds and kept it off for over 2 years, but have gained almost all of it back in a very short amount of time... despite training for half marathon during this time. I took it for the first time again last night and was up from 3am until 7am with massive cramping and diarrhea. I am starting out just 1 500mg tab a day and then add each week. I hope I don't have to go through this for a long time again. It's unbearable for any length of time. Most of the posts I've read said that they lost hair, but all of my endocrinologists said it would help me get some	M	29	1 days		11/20/2008 Email

1  2 3 4 5 
Average rating for drug: 3.5. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

Askapatient Drug Database Enter Drug Name:

.