What is metformin and repaglinide?
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 diabetes.
Metformin and repaglinide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about metformin and repaglinide?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to metformin (Glucophage) or repaglinide (Prandin), if you have kidney disease or type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
You should not use metformin and repaglinide together with gemfibrozil (Lopid) or NPH insulin (such as isophane insulin).
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking metformin and repaglinide.
Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: 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.
Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress. Symptoms include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Carry hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Other sugar sources include orange juice and milk. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking metformin and repaglinide?
Some people develop a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, a severe infection, if you are dehydrated, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to metformin (Glucophage) or repaglinide (Prandin), or if you have:
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking metformin and repaglinide.
To make sure you can safely take this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether metformin and repaglinide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication..
It is not known whether metformin and repaglinide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using metformin and repaglinide.