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Brand Names: PrandiMet

Generic Name: metformin and repaglinide (Pronunciation: met FOR min and re PAG li nide)

• What is metformin and repaglinide (Prandimet)?
• What are the possible side effects of metformin and repaglinide (Prandimet)?
• What is the most important information I should know about metformin and repaglinide (Prandimet)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking metformin and repaglinide (Prandimet)?
• How should I take metformin and repaglinide (Prandimet)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Prandimet)?
• What happens if I overdose (Prandimet)?
• What should I avoid while taking metformin and repaglinide (Prandimet)?
• What other drugs will affect metformin and repaglinide (Prandimet)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is metformin and repaglinide (Prandimet)?

Metformin and repaglinide are oral diabetes medications that help control blood sugar levels. Repaglinide works by causing the pancreas to produce insulin. Metformin works by decreasing glucose (sugar) production in the liver and decreasing absorption of glucose by the intestines.

The combination of metformin and repaglinide is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.

Metformin and repaglinide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of metformin and repaglinide (Prandimet)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; or
• stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• mild nausea or stomach upset; or
• runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, or cold symptoms.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:

• hunger, weakness, nausea, irritability, tremors;
• drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision;
• confusion, irritability, trouble concentrating;
• sweating, fast heartbeat;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, hard candy, milk, or glucose tablets. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about metformin and repaglinide (Prandimet)?

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to metformin or repaglinide, or if you have type 1 diabetes, kidney disease, if you also take gemfibrozil (Lopid) and itraconazole (Sporanox), or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). Do not use metformin and repaglinide together with NPH insulin (such as isophane insulin).

Before taking metformin and repaglinide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have liver disease.

Take care to keep your blood sugar from getting too low, causing hypoglycemia. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Carry a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Also be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

Metformin and repaglinide is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.