PrandiMet Uses

PrandiMet Drug Information

What Is PrandiMet Used For?

PrandiMet™ (repaglinide and metformin) is a prescription medication that contains two different diabetes medications: repaglinide (Prandin^®) and metformin hydrochloride (Fortamet^®, Glucophage^®, Glucophage XR^®, Glumetza^®, or Riomet^®). It is approved to treat type 2 diabetes in people who already take both medications or whose diabetes is not adequately controlled with either repaglinide or metformin alone.

PrandiMet is not approved for use in treating type 1 diabetes or a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis ("DKA").

Using PrandiMet for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes (see

Diabetes Types). It is also sometimes called adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition involving insulin resistance. With insulin resistance, the cells of the body do not respond to insulin as well as they normally should. The pancreas attempts to compensate for this by making more insulin, but eventually the pancreas simply cannot keep up, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to a number of problems, including diabetic impotence, diabetic neuropathy, kidney failure, and heart disease (see Diabetes Complications). The cause of type 2 diabetes is not fully understood, although it is known that obesity and genetics play an important role in type 2 diabetes.

PrandiMet contains two different diabetes medicines. These two medications work differently and have the following effects in the body:

Repaglinide belongs to a group of diabetes medications called meglitinides. Meglitinides can lower blood sugar levels by helping the pancreas make more insulin. Another type of diabetes medication known as sulfonylureas (see PrandiMet Alternatives) also helps the pancreas make more insulin. However, unlike sulfonylureas, repaglinide is a short-acting medication and is generally used to lower blood sugar levels after meals.
Metformin works in several ways. It decreases the amount of sugar (glucose) made by the liver. Metformin can also decrease the amount of sugar absorbed into the body (from the diet) and can make insulin receptors more sensitive, improving the way the body responds to its own insulin. All of these effects cause a decrease in blood sugar levels.

(PrandiMet Uses Continued: Page 2)