Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog post:
- How Metformin’s most common side effects are Gastrointestinal (GI) related
- How symptoms resolve within two weeks
- Expert tips for mitigating GI side effects
- How Metformin causes GI effects
If you’ve ever heard of Metformin, then you’ve probably also heard that it’s one of the most promising longevity treatments available. But equally as popular as the treatment itself is Metformin stomach issues. Many hesitate on starting with Metformin, worrying that the potential side effects will make their quality of life even worse.
Metformin side effects are mild and often go away on their own. More importantly, the potential benefits of Metformin are also much greater than the potential side effects.
Here are some tricks to help reduce Metformin side effects that our experts learned in their years of clinical experience.
Is Metformin Safe?
Metformin is overall a very safe medication. Metformin is listed on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines as one of the safest and most cost-effective treatments available. In 2020, the annual number of Metformin prescriptions exceeded 90 million, making it one of the most prescribed treatments as well.
But some people experience irritating Metformin stomach issues, especially after getting started with the medication. The good news is that most side effects are mild and go away on their own. Though there are some serious Metformin side effects, the most common side effects are nothing to worry about.
The most common Metformin side effects are gastrointestinal. Here are the side effects our patients most often report*:
- Diarrhea (20%)
- Upset stomach (16%)
- Fatigue (8%)
- Nausea (11%)
- GI cramping (7%)
Metformin side effects are typically more bothersome than they are severe. At AgelessRX, we recommend extended-release (ER) Metformin to new patients. This way, you have the best opportunity to have the best results with Metformin.
The bottom line is that Metformin side effects are unlikely to impede your quality of life. If they do cause you trouble, relief is only a stone’s throw away with simple lifestyle adjustments and OTC medications.
How Long Do Metformin Side Effects Last?
Metformin side effects usually last up to two weeks. Side effects may return if as a patient increases their dose as part of their doctor-prescribed titration plan. If side effects do return, they should dissipate again in the same timeframe: within two weeks.
If you experience side effects with Metformin, rest assured that they’re temporary. Metformin stomach issues are most common right after starting treatment or increasing your dose, and become less common as your body adjusts to the medication.
Ultimately, experiencing side effects with Metformin is relatively uncommon. If you do experience symptoms, or they persist after two weeks, there are several simple steps to help relieve your symptoms.
How to Reduce Metformin Side Effects
- Take Metformin with a meal. You’re less likely to symptoms on a full stomach, so take it with your largest meal.
- Take Metformin on a schedule. If you consistently miss doses, your body can’t adjust to the dose as well.
- If you’re taking the immediate-release (IR) version of Metformin, switch your prescription to extended-release (ER). This allows Metformin to be released slowly into your system rather than all at once. AgelessRx will automatically default your prescription to ER unless otherwise stated.
- Consider taking gas and bloating relief over the counter products with the active ingredient simethicone (such as Gas-X) with your Metformin. This can help to reduce gas and bloating that may be caused by Metformin.
- Enterically coated peppermint oil can also help with gastrointestinal symptoms of Metformin. You can easily purchase this type of food grade peppermint oil at vitamin stores or online retailers.
- For nausea specifically, try Ginger tea, capsules, or chewable candies such as Gin-Gins. These can be found at any grocery store or pharmacy.
- If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal cramping or nausea, please contact us via your AgelessRx Portal for guidance. For any severe side effects, discontinue metformin and seek immediate in person medical help.
- Lower the amount of carbohydrates in your diet. Many patients find that keeping their overall carbohydrate intake under 150g a day directly correlates with less gastrointestinal side effects.
- Every journey is different. Some patients may tolerate normal titration, while others may benefit from pausing their titration and staying on a lower dose for longer. The key is to listen to your body: if you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s okay to stay at your current dose for a little while longer, until your symptoms go away. Always let your prescriber know if you decide to pause your titration.
Why Does Metformin Cause Gastrointestinal Side Effects?
The exact mechanisms that cause Metformin stomach issues are unclear.
A hypothesis among experts is that Metformin causes favorable changes to the bacteria in your intestines. Other hypotheses include the increased stimulation of serotonin production, which in turn increases gut motility.
Metformin may also decrease the amount of glucose your body absorbs. Glucose is a solute, and the more solute there is moving through the large intestine, the higher the likelihood that water will be pulled in, which can potentially cause diarrhea.
Though scientists aren’t sure why Metformin causes side effects, they’re also not sure why Metformin is such an effective anti-aging agent. What is clear are the results. See for yourself what Metformin can do for you, and get started with a free visit today.
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
*Actual results may vary. Data was self-reported by 12,100 surveyed customers who checked in with their provider between 1/1/23 and 9/22/25, after 30 days of starting Metformin. All respondents are AgelessRx Metformin customers who were approved for a prescription and recommended a dose of 1,000mg/day after completing an assessment with a medical provider. Data does not account for patients who may experience multiple side effects.