It is usually taken along with diet and exercise changes.
If you are starting treatment with metformin, you may wonder: Doesmetformincause diarrhea?
What other side effects does it cause?
Getty Image /Scott Olson/ Staff
Diarrhea is a common side effect of metformin and can be accompanied by other gut-related issues.
Diarrhea triggered by metformin generally starts soon after you begin taking the medicine or within a few weeks.
However, some people do not experience it right away.
In many cases, this side effect will generally go away after your body adjusts to the medication.
Taking metformin with food may help settle the stomach.
You should tell your healthcare provider if:
Can You Prevent Diarrhea?
you might talk to your healthcare provider about ways to prevent diarrhea from metformin.
It is considered safe, effective at lowering blood sugar, and affordable.
Other Gut-Related Side Effects
In addition to diarrhea, other gut-related side effects are common with metformin.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should get emergency medical help.
Managing Metformin-Related Diarrhea
Some of the management tips are similar to prevention tips.
you could talk to your healthcare provider about the prevention and management of metformin-related diarrhea.
If the diarrhea does not stop, you may need further tests to find the cause.
If diarrhea continues despite these measures, consult your healthcare provider.
However, if your diarrhea is too severe or bothersome, other treatment options are available.
Prescribers Digital Reference (PDR).Glucophage.
2021;39(2):237-240. doi:10.2337/cd20-0101
American Diabetes Association.9.
Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment:Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes2022.Diabetes Care.2022;45(Supplement_1)-S143.
PMID: 34964831
MedlinePlus.Metformin.
MedlinePlus.When you have diarrhea.
Flaherty RJ.Case report: late-onset metformin-associated diarrhea.Am Fam Physician.
2023;108(2):.
