If Glucophage - metformin side effects occur, they usually occur during the first few weeks of therapy. They are normally minor ones such as diarrhea, nausea and upset stomach. Taking your Glucophage with meals can help reduce these side effects.

Although these side effects are likely to go away, call your doctor if you have severe discomfort or if these effects last for more than a few weeks. Some patients may need to have their dose lowered or stop taking Glucophage, either temporarily or permanently. Although these problems occur in up to one-third of patients when they first start taking Glucophage, you should tell your doctor if the problems come back or start later on during the therapy.

About 3 out of every 100 people who take Glucophage (metformin hydrochloride tablets) or Glucophage XR have an unpleasant metallic taste when they start taking the medicine. This usually lasts for a short period of time. Glucophage and Glucophage XR rarely cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) by themselves. However, hypoglycemia can happen if you do not eat enough, if you drink alcohol, or if you take other medicines to lower blood sugar.