Trending
Dear Dr. Roach: I'm a 62-year-old male. In the six months since I was put on metformin, I have had two diverticulitis attacks (I'd never had one before). I believe the timing of these attacks is more than circumstantial. There have been no other changes in my diet or lifestyle. Could the metformin be messing with my metabolism in such a way as to cause or exacerbate these attacks? -- W.J.R.
Answer: Although logically it's impossible to prove that the metformin isn't causing the diverticulitis attacks, a review of Food and Drug Administration reports makes me think that while it may be possible, it's unlikely. In a nine-year period, there were almost 23,000 adverse events reported on metformin (it's a very commonly used drug). Of those, 50 of them (0.2 percent) were diverticulitis.
Diverticula are pouches in the colon, thought to be due to higher colon pressure. They are especially common in people with constipation. Metformin acts predominantly by reducing the amount of sugar produced in the liver, but it can cause diarrhea. I don't know how metformin would cause diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis is more prevalent in people in their 50s and 60s, so it's more likely that this is just chance, in my opinion.
For a better picture of diverticulitis, our booklet explains this common disorder and its treatments. Readers can order a copy by writing:
Dr. Roach
Book No. 502
628 Virginia Dr.
Orlando, FL 32803
Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGood
Health@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.