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What are the most common side effects of Metformin, and how to deal with them?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rocky Face, GA

I can't do Metformin because of the side effects. My son is back in the pre diabetes range. Everytime he takes his Metformin he gets extremely nauseous. He takes a 500 mg daily. It is the XR

September 1
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A DiabetesTeam Member

Oh, yeah. I remember that feeling
@A DiabetesTeam Member I had to take an immodium anti diarrheal before bedtime. I just got tired of remembering the immodium too. So I asked to be taking off of it. Januvia, another good medicine, but I couldn't take it
So I was put on the Trulicity years ago. I went into remission then also. It did stop the runs (as we call it in Georgia). The Farxiga and Jardiance were also good meds. that didn't mess with my tummy, but they weren't enough by themselves. That's why my pcp decided Trulicity again. It affected me differently than when I was first put on it.

September 2
A DiabetesTeam Member

I took metformin yrs ago
Most times it was fine but once in a while it would hit my bowel
Usually about 30 min after taking it. And my bowels would explode .

September 1
A DiabetesTeam Member

When first diagnosed I was put on Metformin 1,000 mg twice daily. I had no problem with it. No tummy issues at all. 3 years of taking it the issues started. My son does eat before he takes it but the nausea still happens. I have Zofran but he will not take it. I have read some amazing articles about Metformin and how it can protect you from other things.
Jardiance isn't just good for diabetes it also can beneficial for ppl with heart disease as well.

September 1 (edited)
A DiabetesTeam Member

I only took 750 mg Metformin XR for about 3 weeks. I always took it with food. Little nausea but a lot of toilet time.

Metformin protects you from all kinds of other issues. It can be wonderful.

September 1
DiabetesTeam

It's great that your son's numbers are improving! Nausea is one of the most common complaints with Metformin, even with the extended-release (XR) version. The good news is there are a few things that can help manage it.

Here are some tips to reduce nausea with Metformin XR:

- Take it with food — always take Metformin with Show Full Answer

It's great that your son's numbers are improving! Nausea is one of the most common complaints with Metformin, even with the extended-release (XR) version. The good news is there are a few things that can help manage it.

Here are some tips to reduce nausea with Metformin XR:

- Take it with food — always take Metformin with a meal, not on an empty stomach
- Take it at the same time each day — consistency helps the body adjust
- Stay hydrated — drinking plenty of water throughout the day can ease stomach discomfort
- Give it time — nausea often improves as the body adjusts over a few weeks

Since he's already on the XR version (which is generally easier to tolerate than regular Metformin), it's worth speaking to his doctor about the nausea. The doctor may adjust the timing, suggest taking it with a larger meal, or explore whether the dose or formulation needs to be reconsidered. If the nausea continues to be a problem, there are other medication options a doctor might consider, such as:

- GLP-1 receptor agonists — help regulate insulin after meals and can support weight management
- SGLT2 inhibitors — help remove excess sugar through urine and can support kidney and heart health

These are worth discussing with his doctor, especially if Metformin continues to cause issues. No one should have to feel sick just to manage their blood sugar — there are options out there!

September 1

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