Switching off metformin?

Just_Mom

Just_Mom

Well-known member
I have T2D and have gotten my A1C down to 5.3. My new doctor wants me to use Ozempic instead of Metformin. She didn't really give me a lot of info, only that it would help lower my A1C and also help my heart and kidneys.

* My bloodwork is all good right now.
* I'm just about the right weight to be able to use Ozempic.
* I've had diarrhea from the Metformin for like 3 years now.
* I haven't changed my diet while using Metformin (still eat chocolate).

What do I need to know about switching medications? What do you all wish you had known when you started? Did you have to change your diet at all?

I haven't looked into Ozempic at all since my A1C was good and the diarrhea isn't that bad.
 
I was like you a few years ago. Metformin gave me awful diarrhea. I wanted off of it so bad. My doctor didn't tell me what to do. A week after starting Ozempic I cut my Metformin dose in half. Once I increased my Ozempic to .05mg I completely stopped the Metformin. I didn't ask my doctor. I was afraid my blood sugar would get too low if I used both. At my 6 month check-up I told my doctor I stopped the Metformin. She didn't say anything and just raised my Ozempic to 1mg. Before Ozempic, my HA1C was 6.8. Now it's 4.7 on 2mg of Ozempic. Check your blood sugar at home if you feel weird. Check it every few days to make sure it doesn't get high or low.
 
Are you taking metformin extended release? Switching from the regular version helped my diarrhea.

My a1c is 5.4 on ozempic and I still need about half my metformin. It has other benefits and I don't want to stop it completely.
 
I started 2 days ago along with metformin. I did research on my own first. Please do your own research as well. This is just my experience and how I understand the benefits. Talk to your doctor. Day 1 was fine, day 2 my appetite was the same, but I could only eat half a bag of salad for breakfast (I like salads). For lunch, I ate 1/4 of a small watermelon, and for dinner about 2 cups of crock pot ziti. No bread or desert. I was full. I feel constipated, but I did go once. Metformin can mess up our stomachs. I'm not missing that part. Before dinner, I was nauseous and then threw up. Now? No more nausea. I just feel something in my lower belly. A little hungry, but not enough to get up and eat. Read the info sheet, ask the pharmacist, and read the manufacturer's website. That helped me. Hope this helps.
 
My doc put me on Ozempic but kept me on a partial dose of Metformin.

I had bad side effects on the Metformin. I'd get light headed. I almost fainted at the store. I was worried about driving. So he cut my dose and added Glimperide. That didn't work. My A1C went UP.

Then came the Ozempic.

It's been great. My A1C is normal. I've lost weight and feel good. I didn't change *what* I eat so much as how much. I just can't eat as much or drink as much beer. I've had almost no side effects. Hopefully you have the same experience.
 
Just_Mom said:
You've convinced me. Just took my first shot. Hoping the side effects are minor.
Click to expand...

Good luck! Remember to stay hydrated and eat smaller meals to minimize any potential nausea. Let us know how it goes!
 
Coach_B_Fit said:
Why not take both? Metformin has benefits beyond just helping with blood sugar. It also helps prevent heart attacks. No reason to stop it when you start on a GLP-1 medication.
Click to expand...

I disagree with that. I was on metformin for ages and the GI issues were unbearable. Getting off it improved my quality of life so much. If Just_Mom is having that problem too, switching might be the better option.
 
Thanks for the encouragement! I'm also hoping to lose a bit of weight. Not a ton, maybe 15-20 pounds. I'm borderline for needing it for my health, but it would make me feel better. Did anyone else experience weight loss?
 
Just_Mom said:
Thanks for the encouragement! I'm also hoping to lose a bit of weight. Not a ton, maybe 15-20 pounds. I'm borderline for needing it for my health, but it would make me feel better. Did anyone else experience weight loss?
Click to expand...

I've dropped about 10 pounds, and it seems to be slowing down now. I've heard others say that they also hit a plateau after a few months.
 
I switched from Zepbound to Wegovy a few months ago and haven't seen much change in my weight. I'm on 1.7mg, and going up to 2.4mg next week. I hope it starts working better at that dose.
 
Switching between GLP-1 providers is pretty normal - most people try a few paths before finding one that sticks.
 
Waiting a couple of months before trying another option after stopping is sound - it gives time to evaluate the baseline before introducing another variable. For someone with T2D at A1C 5.3, the next option needs to match the metabolic context, and tirzepatide has specific mechanism advantages in that range.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top