When will the intestinal side effects of metformin (glucophage) go away?

Yes.: Gi effects of metformin usually go away within the first week of starting or increasing dose. However, they may come back at any point in therapy. Any individual on metformin who develops GI distress should consider metformin as a culprit. The GI effects go away with discontinuation of the medication.

Self- limiting: The reason many start on low doses and work up is because of the bloating and diarrhea which can occur. Fortunately this usually goes away within a few weeks of reaching optimal dose per your prescription. You may also experience some appetite suppression.