Prandimet (Repaglinide/Metformin) for Diabetes

Overview
Prandimet is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Prandimet is considered an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise. You may be a candidate for Prandimet if you are already taking a meglitinide such as Prandin and Metformin, or if you are taking one of these drugs and still have uncontrolled blood glucose levels.

Prandimet is a combination drug composed of the drugs Repaglinide, the active ingredient in Prandin, and Metformin. Repaglinide is a meglitinide. Repaglinide is believed to work by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas. Metformin is a biguanide. Metformin is believed to work by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and making the muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Prandimet is generally taken two or three times a day before meals.

Prandimet comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Prandimet lists common side effects including nausea, diarrhea, weight gain, upset stomach, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) and joint pain.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Prandimet include lactic acidosis (when the tissues and blood become too acidic) and systemic allergic reaction.

For answers to frequently asked questions about exposure to Metformin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, visit the experts at MothertoBaby.org.