Metformin Ghost Pills In Stool, Eextended Release?

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I've been on metformin extended release for about 3 1/2 weeks now. I have not noticed any improvement in my symptoms, I'm taking it for insulin resistance and pcos. I've been monitoring my blood glucose as well and no change there either.
My concern is that the pills arent dissolving. I read online that the shell of the extended release pills will pass in your stool, and I thought they were just shells. But I got curious since I haven't noticed any changes and see the shells everyday. So I put on gloves and poked one of the shells and the inside was filed with white contents just like the pill.
For others on the extended release, have you ever done this? Is the shell usually empty and soft just like a shell, or does it too have the white contents?
My doctor is out of the office for a few days so I can't ask her yet.

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1

I also have been on metformin ER and it has not affected my high blood sugars. In fact my sugars have gone up. In response to your question about not being dissolved this is a true story of what happened to me. I was on my way to the bathroom for a bowel movement and passed gas only to have an undissolved pill come from my rectum. It is unbelievable that this can go thru a persons whole digestive tract without being broken down. If you speak to your doctor could you please let me know what they say. Thank You.

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2

Yes I will let you know what my doctor says. I'm thinking about asking for the brand name version because it is supposed to work better and have less fillers I believe. Maybe it would dissolve better. I'm on teva brand metformin extended release, who manufacturers yours? I read up on the composition of mine at about 39 percent of it I think, is insoluble material, so if it was digested it should have been much smaller than the original pill size I believe. I tried soaking the pill in a cup of water for 10 hours and all it did was bloat and look like how it looks when it passes through. The water wasn't cloudy like it dissolved at all. I'm very concerned about this because I've been on it for a month thinking it would start working any day, and come to find out it might just be passing through most of the time!

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3

MY BRAND NAME ON THE METFORMIN ER IS AMNEAL. THANKS FOR REPLYING TO MY POST!

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4

The time released Metformin pills use an outer shell that controls the release of the medication. You can find the details in the detailed prescribing information from the FDA.

Your stomach acid is used to gradually push out some of the medication, over time, while the shell remains intact and is later expelled in your waste.

Typical side effects of this medication may possibly include nausea, dizziness, headache, flatulence and stomach pain.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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5

Do you know of any generic or brand manufacturer of metformin ER, that does not have the shell remain & poop out? Are there ANY made by ANY manufacturer that completely dissolve? thanks!

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