We are so sorry to hear that you are experiencing an upset stomach (nausea) with your new medication. Metformin aka Glucophage ® is an oral medication (aka a pill) that helps regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) there is in your blood stream. Many people take this medication to prevent and/or treat type II diabetes. Some people who have a hormonal condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also take metformin. This is because PCOS can cause your insulin levels (glucose) to be high which in turn makes you more at risk of diabetes.
For most teens taking metformin, there are minimal side effects. However, for some, like you, unfortunately, it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. When taking the medication, it’s important to take it with a larger meal such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you are still experiencing nausea, talk with your health care provider (HCP). They may be able to help adjust the dose or recommend a different form of the medication.
Our health guides are developed through a systematic, rigorous process to ensure accuracy, reliability, and trustworthiness. Written and reviewed by experienced healthcare clinicians from Boston Children's Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital and consistently ranked as a top hospital by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report, these guides combine clinical expertise, specialized knowledge, and evidence-based medicine. We also incorporate research and best practices from authoritative sources such as the CDC, NIH, PubMed, top medical journals, and UpToDate.com. Clinical specialists and subject matter experts review and edit each guide, reinforcing our commitment to high-quality, factual, scientifically accurate health information for young people.