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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Treatment For Diarrhoea While On Metformin HCL 850 Mg

Hi doctor, I am 60 yrs old in good health except I have diabetes so I take metformin HCL 850 MG taken once twice daily. I have been having chronic diarrhea for the past year and I m concerned that I may be damaging an organ. What can I do to help myself? I don t have any money right now. sorry... I will ask later when I can pay the small fee. Thanks. Phil
Mon, 16 May 2016
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Brief Answer:
You should stop taking metformin.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM.
Diarrhea is one of the most frequent side effects of metformin. Chronic diarrhea may cause electrolytic disturbances.So you have to stop using it. You should take a glycemic diary where are signed the blood sugar levels before and two hours after meal, for three meals of the day and another measure at 11.00 pm.
You should also make some laboratory exams such as the electrolits (Sodium , potassium, calcium ) levels in blood and HbA1c (which evaluates your blood sugar levels last 3 months). You should see an endocrinologist and show him the glycemic diary and your labs results , in way to begin immediately another adequate treatment for your diabetes.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Juarda
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Treatment For Diarrhoea While On Metformin HCL 850 Mg

Brief Answer: You should stop taking metformin. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM. Diarrhea is one of the most frequent side effects of metformin. Chronic diarrhea may cause electrolytic disturbances.So you have to stop using it. You should take a glycemic diary where are signed the blood sugar levels before and two hours after meal, for three meals of the day and another measure at 11.00 pm. You should also make some laboratory exams such as the electrolits (Sodium , potassium, calcium ) levels in blood and HbA1c (which evaluates your blood sugar levels last 3 months). You should see an endocrinologist and show him the glycemic diary and your labs results , in way to begin immediately another adequate treatment for your diabetes. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer. Kind Regards, Dr. Juarda