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Prandimet vs. Metformin

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

Key takeaways

Prandimet (metformin/repaglinide) and metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet) are both used to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Prandimet is a combination of two medications, metformin and repaglinide, while metformin contains only metformin. Prandimet has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States, whereas metformin is still widely available. Metformin works by lowering the amount of sugar your body makes and absorbs, and helps your body use its natural insulin better. It is usually taken once or twice daily and can cause stomach side effects like diarrhea and nausea, which can be lessened by taking it with food or slowly increasing your dose. Prandimet, on the other hand, combined the effects of both metformin and repaglinide to control blood sugar in two ways but is no longer an option for treatment.

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Prandimet

Prandimet

(metformin / repaglinide)

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Metformin

 

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Summary for Prandimet

Discontinued

Prandimet (metformin / repaglinide) is a combination of two medications used to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Both brand and generic versions of this medication have been discontinued and are no longer available in the United States.

Indications for Prandimet

  • Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Prandimet

Pros

Cons

Summary for Metformin

Prescription only

Immediate-release metformin is an oral diabetes medication. It's approved for people 10 years of age and older with Type 2 diabetes. The medication belongs to the drug class called biguanides. It works best to lower blood sugar levels with a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise plan. Immediate-release metformin comes as a tablet and an oral solution. You take this medication by mouth usually two to three times a day. It's recommended to take each dosage with food to help lessen side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

Indications for Metformin

Pros and Cons for Metformin

Pros

Cons

  • Typically need to take a couple times per day
  • Can cause stomach upset, including diarrhea, nausea, gas, and stomach cramping
  • Not a good choice for people with severe kidney problems
  • Not recommended for people with liver problems

Common Side Effects for Metformin

  • Diarrhea (53%)
  • Nausea or vomiting (26%)
  • Gas (12%)
  • Weakness (9%)

Warnings for Metformin

  • Lactic acidosis
  • Low vitamin B12 levels
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain other diabetes medications

Prices with our coupons for Prandimet vs. Metformin

Price Card Drug Icon
Prandimet30 tablets / 2mg/500mg
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Price Card Drug Icon
Metformin60 tablets / 500mg
$9.00$9.00
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