Prandimet: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

PrandiMet What Medicine?

What medicine is PrandiMet?

PrandiMet is a diabetes treatment consisting of a combination of two drugs, namely repaglinide and metformin. This medication is used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program to help control blood sugar in adult patients with type two diabetes.

Blood sugar control in diabetics can help prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and problems with sexual function. Correct diabetes control can also reduce the risk of having a heart attack and stroke.

PrandiMet is an oral drug consisting of repaglinide and metformin. Repaglinide works by encouraging the body's natural release of insulin. Meanwhile, metformin which is included in the biguanid group works by reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver and that is absorbed by the intestine during the digestive process. Both of these drugs also work by helping to restore your body's response to insulin.

What are the rules for drinking PrandiMet?

PrandiMet is an oral medication that is taken 15 minutes before meals. Consume 2-3 times a day or according to the directions given by your doctor. Do not take this medication if you are not going to eat within 30 minutes. You can take this medication right before your scheduled meal if needed. Do not take this medicine if you are not going to eat to avoid the risk of side effects. Take this medication again if you are about to have a large meal.

Your doctor may give you a low dose first and increase it gradually to avoid side effects, such as stomach upset. The dose given takes into account your body's response and your health condition. Do not change the dose or stop medication without consulting your doctor first.

If you are changing to another diabetes medication, such as chlorpropamide, tell your doctor to stop the old drug and start this combination of drugs. Take this medicine regularly to get maximum results. To make it easier for you to remember, drink it at the same time every day.

How do I save PrandiMet?

Store this medication at room temperature. Avoid direct light and do not store this drug in a room with a damp temperature, such as in the bathroom. Keep this medication out of reach of children and pets.

Do not flush or flush this medication down the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has reached its expiration date or is no longer in use. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of this medication.

PrandiMet dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the PrandiMet dosage for adult patients?

The PrandiMet dosage is given taking into account other possible treatments, its effectiveness, and the body's tolerance for treatment.

Initial dosage:

• Patients whose blood sugar is not controlled with metformin alone therapy: repaglinide 1 mg / metformin 500 mg, twice daily with meals
• Patients whose blood sugar is not controlled with meglitinide alone therapy: the meglitinide dose being taken plus metformin 500 mg, twice daily with meals
• Patients who have been taking repaglinide and metformin in two separate tablets: give the same dose when switching to PrandiMet with the dose currently being taken or close to, but not exceeding.

Increase the dose given based on the results of treatment and body tolerance.

Maximum dose each time: repaglinide 4 mg / metformin 1,000 mg

Maximum daily dose: repaglinide 10 mg / metformin 2,500 mg

What is the PrandiMet dosage for children?

The dosage in pediatric patients has not been established. Use of this drug is not recommended for children. Talk to your doctor about using the right medication for your child.

What is the PrandiMet dosage for the elderly?

The dose given is the same as the dose given to adult patients. However, do not give this drug to elderly people who are over 80 years of age without having performed kidney function tests and stated normal.

In what dosage and preparation is PrandiMet (repaglinide-metformin) available?

Tablet, Oral: 1 mg / 500 mg; 2 mg / 500 mg

PrandiMet side effects

What side effects may occur due to consumption of PrandiMet?

Keep in mind that when your doctor prescribes PrandiMet, he or she judges that the benefits it provides outweigh the risk of possible side effects. One of the possible side effects is lactic acidosis which can occur due to the consumption of metformin in PrandiMet. If this condition persists, it will be fatal.

If you experience symptoms such as muscle pain or weakness, cold or numbness in the legs and arms, breathing problems, stomach pain, nausea accompanied by vomiting, irregular heartbeat, feeling weak and tired.

This medication can also cause hypoglycemia, especially if you consume large amounts of alcohol, do vigorous exercise, and do not consume enough calories. Symptoms can include cold sweat, body shaking, dizziness, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, fainting, tingling in the hands and feet, and hunger. Immediately consume food or drinks that can increase blood sugar levels quickly, such as sugar, honey, or candy.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia can also occur, such as excessive thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushed face, rapid breathing, and fruity breath. Tell your doctor if you experience this. You may need to increase the dosage.

Some of the common side effects that arise from consuming PrandiMet are:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Weight gain

Side effects are usually felt as a form of the body's initial adjustment to treatment and will go away on their own. If these symptoms persist or get worse, contact your doctor immediately.

Serious allergy symptoms are known to rarely occur as a result of taking this drug. However, contact your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, and throat area, severe dizziness, and shortness of breath.

The above list is not a complete list of the side effects that may be generated by PrandiMet. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects that you are worried about will occur.

PrandiMet Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should I know before taking PrandiMet?

• Tell your doctor if you have a drug allergy, especially to repaglinide and metformin, and other drugs. The combination of these two drugs may contain other ingredients that can also cause allergic reactions
• Before taking PrandiMet, inform your doctor about your medical history including past and current illnesses, especially if you have kidney problems, breathing (such as asthma), blood disorders (such as anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency), heart problems. (heart failure, recently had a heart attack), a disease that attacks the liver, or a recent stroke
• PrandiMet is not intended for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor for other treatments
• This medicine may cause blurred vision, dizziness, or severe drowsiness due to a drastic drop in blood sugar levels. Avoid activities that require high alertness, such as driving, before knowing how your body responds to this medication
• Before doing surgery or having an X-ray examination or scanning which requires you to use contrast fluid, inform your doctor about using PrandiMet.
• In the elderly, the risk of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis is greater. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of this side effect
• This medicine can promote ovulation even though you are already premenopausal and cause an unplanned pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are on a birth control program
• Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant but need to control blood sugar. Your doctor may prepare alternative treatments or make dosage adjustments

Is PrandiMet safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There has not been sufficient research on the risk to the fetus conducted in pregnant women. However, studies conducted on mammals (mice) suggest a risk to the fetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant and need blood sugar control. The US Food and Drug Administration categorizes this drug into category C (possible risk).

It is not yet known whether PrandiMet is also passed out of the body through breast milk. It is recommended that you do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

PrandiMet Drug Interactions

Drug interactions can change how medications work or increase the risk of side effects. The following list does not contain all drugs that may cause drug interactions. Tell your doctor if you are on medication, especially for drug consumption:

• NPH insulin
• Gemfibrozil
• Antifungal drugs (such as itraconazole and ketoconazole)
• Macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin)
• Rifamycins (such as rifabutin)
• Antibiotics (such as cephalexin and penicillin)
• Probenecid

Keep a list of all the drugs you take and inform your doctor before taking PrandiMet, including prescription, non-prescription drugs, vitamins, or herbal medicines.

PrandiMet overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

Taking PrandiMet can cause dangerous hypoglycemia. Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, difficulty speaking, tremors, abdominal pain, confusion, and seizures. Call emergency medical assistance immediately (119) or rush to the nearest hospital emergency department for help.

What if I miss my medication schedule?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, skip a forgotten schedule if it's too close to your next schedule or if you're not going to eat. Continue taking the medication on a regular schedule accompanied by meals. Do not double your dose on a single medication schedule.