Could you please advice me I have been told by my nutritionist that I can take 2 metformin with my meal if I want to, leaving 1 left for one of my other 2 meals I have never been told this before is this correct? I have always taken 1 with each meal.
Beverley,this extract is from the instruction leaflet that comes with Metformin.
How to take Metformin
Take it with or after a meal.This will avoid you having side effects affecting your digestion.Do not crush or chew the tablets.Swallow each tablet with a glass of water
If you take one dose a day ,take it in the morning(breakfast)
If you take two divided doses day ,take them in the morning(breakfast),and evening(dinner)
If you take three divided doses a day ,take them in the morning(breakfast,)at noon(lunch)and in the evening(dinner)
If after some time,you think that the effect of Metformin is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Just a warning,if you take too much Metformin you may experience lactic acidosis I had this when my kidneys were not working properly,and it's not pleasant
I am a qualified nutritionist and can only think of one reason to take two Metformin at the same time--not having the right dosage available.
You can always ask your pharmacist, as some people do take 2 tabs with meals . A pharmacist knows everything there is to know about medications that is their job. Doctors diagnose and prescribe, but often they are just following guidelines which is why most doctors cannot suggest dietary changes for diabetes as they are just diagnosing and prescribing, it is as dietician who can guide you with that. So a pharmacist can also guide you with how to take meds, what times to take them and if you can take 2 at a time or not.
Did you ask your nutritionist did she mention why to try an take 2 at one meal ?
I use the extended release version of Metformin (lesser side effects). I take both pills in the morning with food.
If you need to split the Extended Release version with a pill splitter (it's huge), my pharmacist says you can. It's one if the two Extended Release pills you can do this with. (I forget the other one.)
As a warning... Do NOT take meds with oatmeal as it coats and binds with them, making them much less effective.
Thank you all for the advice.
I am 2 in the morning with breakfast, and 2 at dinner, this is what the doctor put me on,