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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Metformin To Pass Out Completely Whole In Stools?

My daughter is taking metformin ER, she takes 4 500mg a day. Been taking it since January 2015. When she goes to the restroom they are not digesting they are whole in the stool. Do you know why? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you, Machelle
Wed, 6 Jan 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
dear friend

the ER formulations have insoluble parts that are excreted in faeces and they are called ghost pills, the main drug is already absorbed and used by the body.
if your sugar levels are as under control as they were earlier it indicates that the drug is being delivered and working, this will confirm the case of the ghost pill , in case the sugar level is not under control them we may think otherwise,
discuss with your diabetologist and if possible change the formulation of the drug to resolve the issue.
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What Causes Metformin To Pass Out Completely Whole In Stools?

dear friend the ER formulations have insoluble parts that are excreted in faeces and they are called ghost pills, the main drug is already absorbed and used by the body. if your sugar levels are as under control as they were earlier it indicates that the drug is being delivered and working, this will confirm the case of the ghost pill , in case the sugar level is not under control them we may think otherwise, discuss with your diabetologist and if possible change the formulation of the drug to resolve the issue.