A medicine for diabetes: Let's learn about Metformin and Repaglinide tablets?

If you have Type 2 Diabetes, your doctor has probably prescribed you a combination pill (such as PrandiMet) that contains both metformin and repaglinide. This is a medication that is often prescribed to help control your diabetes. Let's take a look at what this medication is, how it works, and what you need to be aware of.

Why do you take this medicine? Simply put...

Simply put, this is a pill made by combining two drugs called Metformin and Repaglinide. This is given to people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus . However, taking this medicine alone is not enough. Controlling your diet and exercising are also part of this treatment. This medicine helps your body use the hormone called Insulin properly. Then, the blood sugar level is controlled. This medicine can also be used for other purposes, you can ask your doctor or the person at the pharmacy about it.

Things you should tell your doctor before using this medicine

Okay, now this is important. Before you start taking this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor or the pharmacist about these things. Because if you have these conditions, this medicine may not be suitable for you, or you may need special care.

• Do you have anemia ?
• Are you experiencing dehydration ?
• Have you developed a serious condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis ?
• Do you have heart disease ?
• Do you drink alcohol regularly?
• Do you have kidney disease ?
• Do you have liver disease ?
• If you are a woman, do you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) ?
• Have you recently recovered from a serious infection or serious injury ?
• Are you constantly vomiting ?
• Have you ever had an allergic reaction to metformin, repaglinide, or any other medication, food, dyes, or preservatives?
• Are you trying to get pregnant , or are you already pregnant?
• Are you a breastfeeding mother?

It's very important for your own health to say everything without hiding these things, do you understand?

How exactly do I use this medicine?

This pill should be taken by mouth. Swallow it with a glass of water. You should take it exactly as directed on the prescription label given to you by your doctor.

The most important thing is that you should take this medicine before a meal . To be precise, do not take it more than 30 minutes before a meal. Usually, it is taken shortly before a meal.

Imagine, if you skip a meal, you also have to skip the pill for that meal.

Is it best not to drink more than the doctor recommends, or to drink it more frequently?

What happens to the young and the old?

If you are giving this medicine to young children, you should talk to your pediatrician about it. Special care may be needed.

If someone over the age of 65 is taking this medication, the effects of the medication may be a little stronger. Therefore, the doctor may reduce the dose slightly.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)

Please note that if you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, call a Poison Control Center or the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. This is not a joke.

"This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to your friends or family, even if they also have diabetes."

What if I miss a dose?

If you are unable to take a pill before a meal, skip it. If it is almost time for your next meal, that is, when you are about to eat your next meal, take the pill at that time. Never take a double dose or take more pills at once.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)

This is also a very important point. There are some medications that can cause problems when taken together with metformin and repaglinide tablets. That is, the effectiveness of this medication may be hindered, or the side effects may increase.

Never take this diabetes medicine together with the following medications:

• Contrast medicines are special liquids that are injected into the body before certain tests , such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
• A drug called Dofetilide .
• A medicine called Gemfibrozil .

In addition, there are a number of other medications that can interact with this diabetes medication in some way. These may include:

• Acetazolamide
• Alcohol (not only as a drink, but some medications may also contain alcohol)
• Barbiturates (e.g., Phenobarbital, Primidone)
• Carbamazepine
• Some antiviral medications for diseases like HIV or hepatitis
• Some medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, and irregular heartbeat
• Some medications for fungal infections (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole)
• Cimetidine
• Clopidogrel
• Clarithromycin
• Cyclosporine
• Deferasirox
• Dichlorphenamide
• Digoxin
• Diuretics (medicines that help remove water from the body)
• Erythromycin
• Female hormones (e.g. estrogens, progestins, and birth control pills)
• Glycopyrrolate
• Isoniazid (a medicine for tuberculosis)
• Lamotrigine
• Memantine
• Methazolamide
• Metoclopramide
• Midodrine
• Niacin
• Phenothiazines (e.g. Chlorpromazine, Mesoridazine, Prochlorperazine, Thioridazine)
• Phenytoin
• Ranolazine
• Rifampin
• Simvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug)
• Steroid medications (e.g. Prednisone, Cortisone)
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to help you stay awake
• Thyroid medicines
• Topiramate
• Trospium
• Vandetanib
• Zonisamide

This list is not exhaustive, is it? That is, other medications, not just these, can interact with this diabetes medication.

Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (prescribed by your doctor, bought at the pharmacy, traditional medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal substances. Some things can interact with this medicine.

What are the things we should be especially careful about when taking this medicine?

While taking this medicine, see your doctor regularly for regular checkups to check how your health is.

Your HbA1c (HbA1c) test is checked regularly. This is a simple blood test. It shows how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past 2-3 months. You will need to have this test every 3 to 6 months.

Let's be aware of blood sugar levels.

Learn how to check your blood sugar at home. Also, learn the symptoms of low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) and how to manage them.

If you suddenly have low blood sugar, keep a quick-source of sugar with you at all times. For example, a sugar cube, glucose tablet, or toffee. Imagine if you suddenly had low blood sugar and were about to lose consciousness, and if you were to give yourself something to eat or drink at that time, it could get stuck in your throat. Therefore, you should tell your family and friends about this. If your blood sugar drops so low that you have seizures or unconsciousness, you should seek medical help immediately.

If you feel that your blood sugar is high, tell your doctor. Your medication dosage may need to be adjusted. If you get sick or exercise more than usual, ask your doctor if you need to adjust your medication dosage at that time.

Do not skip meals. Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol. Some over-the-counter cough and cold products may contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar levels.

Be aware of the possibility of pregnancy.

This medicine may increase the chance of ovulation in women who have irregular monthly periods but have not yet gone through menopause. This may increase the chance of pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you should not take this medicine. Talk to your doctor about birth control options while taking this medicine. If you think you are pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

Before something like surgery

If you are having surgery, an MRI, a CT scan, or any other special medical procedure, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine for a few days before the procedure.

Always carry a Medical ID card with you that lists your medical condition, the medications you take, the dosage, and when to take them. If possible, wear a Medical ID bracelet or chain. This can be very important in an emergency.

This medicine may decrease your folic acid and vitamin B12 levels. Therefore, make sure you are getting enough vitamins while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about the foods you eat and the vitamins you take.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, these metformin and repaglinide tablets can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets them, but some people can.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor or health care professional immediately :

• Allergic reactions : skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• Breathing problems.
• Dark urine .
• Feeling faint or lightheaded, falls.
• Fever, chills, sore throat .
• Muscle aches or pains .
• Redness, blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin, and other things like this can also occur inside the mouth.
• Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar : feeling anxious, confusion, dizziness, increased hunger, feeling unusually weak or tired, sweating, shakiness, feeling cold, irritable, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness.
• Slow or irregular heartbeat.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusual stomach upset or pain.
• Vomiting.
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (this could be a liver problem).

Side effects that usually don't need to be mentioned to the doctor , but should be mentioned if they persist:

These side effects are usually not serious. They will subside in a few days. But if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor:

• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Gas in the stomach.
• Feeling a metallic taste in the mouth.
• Upset stomach.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice any other unusual effects, talk to your doctor. You can report these side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How do you store these pills? (Storage)

It is very important to keep these pills out of the reach of children .

Store below 25°C (77°F) . This means at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Protect from light.

Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.

Finally, the most important things you need to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, we've talked a lot about these Metformin and Repaglinide pills, haven't we? To summarize:

• This medicine is given to control Type 2 Diabetes . However , a good diet and exercise are also essential.
• Before starting the medication , tell your doctor about all your illnesses and all the medications you are taking.
• Take your medicine as directed by your doctor before a meal. If you miss a meal, take your medicine at the same time.
• Check your blood sugar levels regularly. Be aware of the symptoms of low and high blood sugar. Keep some sugar handy for emergencies.
• If you experience any new side effects, especially if they are severe, tell your doctor immediately.
• Inform your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

This medicine will help you control your diabetes and live a healthy life. But the most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly and to see him regularly for checkups. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or the pharmacist.

` Metformin, Repaglinide, Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Insulin, Blood Sugar, Side Effects