Does a once-a-day pill of metformin cause diarrhea?
Complicating the situation is the fact that I have had a sigmoid resection, losing a foot of my colon. • A: One of many studies regarding metformin indicates that the most common adverse effect of metformin is gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and increased flatulence. Metformin is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects than most other anti-diabetic drugs. These gastrointestinal side effects are most common when the medication is first taken or when the dosage is increased. These can often be avoided by beginning at a low dose if possible and gradually increasing the dose. These conditions are less likely after prolonged steady usage. Additional information is available on Everyday Health at http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/metformin.