Repaglinide+metformin
About Repaglinide+metformin
Repaglinide+metformin belongs to a class of medicine known as an antidiabetic. It is a combination of two antidiabetic drugs: Repaglinide and Metformin. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic or lifelong condition affecting how your body processes glucose. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or if the insulin is produced, it cannot perform its function in the body (insulin resistance). Due to this, the blood glucose level increases, and symptoms such as frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger start. It can lead to serious complications like skin infection, eye problems (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), diabetic foot (foot ulcer), kidney disease (nephropathy), high blood pressure, and even stroke.
Repaglinide acts by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas. It starts acting so quickly on controlling blood sugar levels immediately after a meal. On the other hand, Metformin, which is a 'biguanide', acts by lowering the liver's glucose production, delaying glucose absorption from the intestines, and increasing the body's response to insulin. In a nutshell, the two medicines prevent blood glucose levels from rising to very high levels, thus keeping your Diabetes under control. Repaglinide+metformin act together to keep your blood sugar levels under check. The strict control of blood sugars is essential to mention the many disabling side effects of Diabetes. Repaglinide+metformin shows optimum effects when taken along with healthy lifestyle changes like weight loss, regular exercise, healthy diet, etc.
Repaglinide+metformin should be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach. Repaglinide+metformin should be taken at the same time of the day each time for the best results. Your doctor will decide what dose should be taken for better advice, which can change quickly depending on your condition. A common side effect of Repaglinide+metformin is hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels), characterized by dizziness, sweating, palpitations, hunger pangs, dry mouth, skin, etc. So, to avoid hypoglycaemia, you should not miss meals and also should carry some form of sugar along with you. Other side effects include taste change, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, and upper respiratory symptoms.
You should not take Repaglinide+metformin if you have renal impairment, metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis (excess acids in your blood), and receiving gemfibrozil (used to treat abnormal blood lipid levels). Repaglinide+metformin should not be stopped even if you feel better, without consulting your doctor as your sugar level keeps changing. If you stop taking Repaglinide+metformin abruptly, it may increase your sugar levels which could further increase the risk of eyesight loss (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy), and nerve damage (neuropathy). Repaglinide+metformin should not be taken if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus or severe kidney or liver disease. Please inform your doctor if you have any heart disease, are planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Uses of Repaglinide+metformin
Medicinal Benefits
Repaglinide+metformin should be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach. Repaglinide+metformin should be taken at the same time of the day each time for the best results. Your doctor will decide what dose should be taken for better advice, which can change quickly depending on your condition. A common side effect of Repaglinide+metformin is hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels), characterised by dizziness, sweating, palpitations, hunger pangs, dry mouth, skin, etc. To avoid hypoglycaemia, you should not miss meals and should carry some form of sugar along with you. Other side effects include taste change, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, and upper respiratory symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Repaglinide+metformin
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Palpitations
- hunger pangs
- Dry mouth and skin
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level)
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body cannot make sufficient insulin, or the insulin that it makes doesn't work properly or is utilized by our body. This can cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia). Type 2 diabetes symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination at night, slow wound healing, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. There may be weight gain in some cases, while in rare cases, weight loss may be observed. The complication of type 2 diabetes also includes neuropathy (nerve problems), nephropathy (kidney problems), and retinopathy (damaged retina of eyes or blindness), loss of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and an increase in the chance of heart attack or stroke.
FAQs
Diabetes is a lifelong chronic medical condition, so its treatment should also continue for the whole life, so keep taking Repaglinide+metformin unless your doctor advises you to stop the medicine.
If you are going for any surgery or dental treatment, you are advised to tell the person carrying your diabetes and the list of medicines, including the Repaglinide+metformin you are taking. This is because they will suggest you skip your doses for some time.
Your doctor may suggest you go for a regular test for sugar (glucose) in your blood or urine to monitor if diabetes has been controlled or not.
If a person is getting unusually thrust or passing urine frequently more than normal while taking Repaglinide+metformin, they should tell it to their doctor as it may be a sign that there is too much sugar in their blood, and treatment needs to be adjusted. It may also be because of dehydration as Repaglinide+metformin can lead to loss of fluids. Increase intake of fluids; if even then you feel thirsty, please consult your doctor.
Repaglinide+metformin is not allowed to be used in medical conditions, including renal impairment, type 1 diabetes, metabolic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis (excess acids in your blood), and receiving gemfibrozil (used to treat abnormal blood lipid levels).
Type-2 diabetes generally does not affect healthy children and teens, but it may affect children who are obese, which is also known as Childhood Obesity.
Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, and it is one of the side effects of Repaglinide+metformin. Hypoglycemia can occur if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise, or take other antidiabetic medicine along with this medicine. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
A Repaglinide+metformin should not be used with other anti-diabetic medications as it may cause hypoglycemia (lower blood sugar level).
Yes, long-term usage of Repaglinide+metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency as it interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, nerve problems, tingling sensation and numbness in hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, affected mental status, and difficulty in maintaining balance. These symptoms can be managed by taking Vitamin B12 supplements as advised by your doctor.
If you have symptoms like increased hunger, increased thirst, frequent urination (usually at night), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow wound/sores healing, and frequent infections, contact your doctor, as it can be a condition of type 2 diabetes.
If you feel that your blood sugar level is decreasing and you are feeling weak, immediately eat sugar candies or drink sugary beverages. It will help to balance the blood sugar level in your body. So, it is advisable to keep sugar candies with you.
