Type of medicine: antidiabetic
Generic and brand names: repaglinide/metformin, oral; PrandiMet
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat type 2 diabetes and control blood sugar levels. Usually you will take this medicine while you follow a diet and exercise program prescribed by your healthcare provider.
This medicine does not treat type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Do not take this medicine if you take gemfibrozil (Lopid).
Tell your healthcare provider if you get sick or injured, or if you are scheduled to have surgery. Also tell your provider if you drink alcohol.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes, at the same time every day. Do not miss doses or take more than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
The dosage that is best for you will be determined after you have taken this medicine for a week or longer. Your dosage may be adjusted several times based on the results of blood tests. Keep all your appointments for these tests.
Take this medicine 15 to 30Â minutes before meals.
If you skip a meal, also skip the dose that you would have taken before that meal. If you are not sure of your dosage, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.
Be sure to take any other diabetes medicine that your healthcare provider prescribes for you exactly as directed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with a meal) unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, fainting, seizures, coma.
Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious complication that can occur with use of this medicine. This condition is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. This happens more often in people with kidney, liver, or heart problems, or with severe infection, dehydration, or too much alcohol use. Most people with kidney problems should not take this medicine. Stop taking this medicine and contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop unexplained symptoms such as:
Follow the diet and exercise program prescribed for you. Also, have your blood sugar tested regularly. If your healthcare provider wants you to test your blood or urine sugar at home, follow directions carefully. Depending on the severity of your diabetes, your healthcare provider may want you to check your blood sugar daily using a blood glucose meter.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see if the medicine is working and to check for any signs of side effects that show up only on blood tests. You may be able to do your own testing for blood sugar levels on a small machine at home, but your healthcare provider will do other tests. People with diabetes should also have regular eye exams.
Talk to your healthcare provider before you take other medicines, including nonprescription products. Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you miss or delay meals, drink too much alcohol, take too much medicine, or exercise more than usual. Symptoms of low blood sugar include confusion, shaking, weakness, strong hunger, cold sweats, headache, nausea, vision problems, and feeling faint. Treat the condition quickly by eating or drinking something with sugar in it such as candy, juice, or nondiet soda. Taking glucose tablets or gels (available in drug stores) is another quick way to treat hypoglycemia.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or x-rays, tell the healthcare provider you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine right before x-rays or surgery.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you are unable to reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing, swelling of your lips, tongue or throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Frequent cases of low blood sugar (confusion, shaking, weakness, strong hunger, cold sweats, headache, nausea, vision problems, and feeling faint), chest pain.
Other: Chest infection, dizziness, diarrhea, cough, headache, sinus infection, nausea, runny nose, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, constipation, mild rash.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
