Side affects of Metformin

So I have been taking metformin for about a month now and I am so SICK from it! I feel like i have a constant nasty stomach virus. I have modified my diet and made changes and nothing! I had to drop down to 2 pills (1000mg) from 3 b/c i was so sick. I don't think that helped at all... I know that this is a common side affect of metformin but does it get ANY better? My OB noted that he would like me to stay on the metformin even once I become preg to try to keep my gest diabetes at bay but with these stomach symptoms I want to be off as soon as I get a +!!

On another note I was 2 days late this cycle - I didn't really get my hopes up b/c we haven't been timing our intercourse well, but on day 2 (14dpo) i took a test - nothing, nada. I finally got my period today but it is not exactly normal... I know that they say metformin can help to regulate your cycle - could it have made me "late" this month? Has anyone had this happen?

Thanks for any advice!

Re: Side affects of Metformin

I had a very hard time in the beginning with the Met. I was on 3 pills a day, so my Dr. had me drop down to 1 pill for a few days, then 2, then to the 3rd pill. It did definately help to slowly work my way up.

For me, the Met never helped to regulate my cycles. The only way my cycles were somewhat normal were the months I was doing Clomid/IUI cycles.

Re: Side affects of Metformin

i've been on Metforming for just over a month -- the first week or two was definitely the worst. I'm up to 2000 mg a day.

My stomach still has some times when it gets upset. Have you cut as much fat and white carbs out of your diet as possible? I really do feel like when I venture off what I should be eating, is when the side effects hit the most.

Hope your stomach gets better soon.

ETA: this month my period came right on time when it was supposed to -- that NEVER happens. so it must have helped regulate me a litle bit.

Message edited 3/8/2009 9:20:12 AM.

Re: Side affects of Metformin

I have tried to cut-out a LOT of the bad stuff in my diet but my problem happens mostly in the morning/early in the day before i have even eaten anything. I had mild IBS going into this so the metformin is just wreaking havoc on my stomach - you would think I would loose a few lbs from this - not even!

The funny thing with me is I was okay for the first 2-3 wks and when I built up to the 3 pills that's when my stomach went nuts. I dropped 1 pill (as per RE) and the stomach upset continues...

I just emailed the RE to ask if there are any supplements that might help the stomach or if there is ANYTHING i can do...