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Janumet vs. Prandin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) and repaglinide are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Janumet combines two medications: sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). It helps control blood sugar by improving insulin function and reducing glucose production and absorption. Janumet is taken either twice daily with meals (immediate-release) or once daily (extended-release). Repaglinide, on the other hand, is a meglitinide that stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin and is taken before each meal. Unlike Janumet, repaglinide is available in a generic form. However, repaglinide can cause weight gain and has a higher risk of causing low blood sugar compared to Janumet. While Janumet is not recommended for those with severe kidney problems, repaglinide should not be used with NPH-insulin due to the risk of heart damage.

Janumet

(sitagliptin / metformin)

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Repaglinide

 

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Summary for Janumet

Prescription only

Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin) is a medication for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It contains two different diabetes medications that work together to help control blood sugar. One is sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, and the other is metformin, a biguanide. The Janumet immediate-release tablets are taken by mouth twice a day. It works best when used with a balanced meal plan and exercise routine. Some side effects are diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache. There's only a brand-name version of Janumet; there's no generic version yet.

Indications for Janumet

Pros and Cons for Janumet

Pros

Cons

  • Must take twice a day with meals
  • Only available as a fixed dose, so can be hard to make dose adjustments
  • Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems
  • Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes

Common Side Effects for Janumet

Warnings for Janumet

  • Lactic acidosis
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Risk of heart failure
  • Sudden kidney problems
  • Low vitamin B12 levels
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
  • Joint pain
  • Severe skin reaction
  • Serious allergic reactions

Summary for Prandin

Prescription only

Repaglinide is an oral tablet taken in addition to diet and exercise to control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class called meglitinide, and works similar to sulfonylureas. The usual dosing is to take 0.5 mg to 4 mg by mouth before each meal. Potential warnings and side effects include low blood sugar, headache, and diarrhea. The brand name Prandin has been discontinued, but this medication is still available as a generic.

Indications for Prandin

Pros and Cons for Prandin

Pros

  • Can quickly lower blood sugar during meal times
  • Comes as an oral tablet taken by mouth
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Has a risk of low blood sugar
  • Can cause some weight gain
  • Can interact with many medications

Common Side Effects for Prandin

  • Low blood sugar (31%)
  • Upper respiratory infection (16%)
  • Headache (11%)
  • Sinus infection (6%)
  • Joint pain (6%)
  • Nausea (5%)
  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Back pain (5%)

Warnings for Prandin

  • Low blood sugar
  • Possible risk of serious heart problems

Prices with our coupons for Janumet vs. Prandin

Price Card Drug Icon
Janumet60 tablets / 50mg/1000mg
$331.56$428.99
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Repaglinide270 tablets / 2mg
$39.91-
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