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Prandin vs. Starlix

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

Key takeaways

Repaglinide and nateglinide are both oral prescription medications used to help control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. They belong to the same drug class and work by stimulating your pancreas release more insulin. However, there are some differences between them. Repaglinide is typically taken 0.5 mg to 4 mg before each meal, while the typical dose of nateglinide is 120 mg three times a day before meals. Both medications are only available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications can also cause low blood sugar and weight gain and interact with many other medications. Be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

Repaglinide

 

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Nateglinide

 

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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

Summary for Starlix

Prescription only

Nateglinide is an add-on medication to diet and exercise to control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. This medication comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth. It must be taken three times a day, which might be inconvenient for some people.

Indications for Starlix

  • Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Starlix

Pros

  • Helps release insulin into the body within 20 minutes of taking
  • Lowers A1C levels by around 0.75%
  • Good option if you can't take metformin because of side effects or poor kidney function
  • Lower-cost generic available

Cons

  • Need to take 1 to 30 minutes before each meal
  • Must take 3 times a day, which can be inconvenient
  • Might be more likely to cause weight gain than other diabetes medications
  • Not for people with Type 1 diabetes

Common Side Effects for Starlix

  • Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
  • Back pain (4%)
  • Flu symptoms (4%)
  • Dizziness (4%)
  • Joint problems (3%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)
  • Accidental trauma (3%)
  • Bronchitis (3%)

Warnings for Starlix

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Prices with our coupons for Prandin vs. Starlix

Price Card Drug Icon
Repaglinide270 tablets / 2mg
$39.91-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Nateglinide90 tablets / 120mg
$31.87$158.13
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