Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

REPAGLINIDE - ORAL

(reh-PAGG-lin-ide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prandin

Uses

Repaglinide is used to treat Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes, either alone or in combination with other anti-diabetes medications, along with a diet and exercise program. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, circulation problems, and blindness.

How To Use

This drug is taken by mouth, generally about 15 minutes before each meal. Follow all instructions exactly and consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding dosage and meal pattern advice, especially if your eating habits vary. Over time, this drug may not work as well as it did at the beginning of use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Diarrhea or constipation, nausea and joint pains may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely but report promptly any chest pain. This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The symptoms include: shaking, cold sweats, rapid heartbeat, weakness, headache, fainting. If these symptoms occur, eat a quick source of sugar such as glucose liquid, orange juice, honey, or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule (do not skip meals). In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal or pituitary gland problems, any allergies. Unusual stresses such as fever, serious infection, trauma or surgery may result in loss of blood sugar control. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate drug side effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Insulin therapy may be necessary during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly since side effects may be aggravated and more difficult to recognize.

Drug Interactions

Repaglinide should not be used with the following medication because very serious effects (very low blood sugar) may occur: gemfibrozil. If you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting repaglinide. Fenofibrate may be an alternative medication for the gemfibrozil. Also, itraconazole should not be used in combination with repaglinide and gemfibrozil because extremely low blood sugar could occur. Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: beta-blocker type drugs (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol), NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen), sulfa drugs (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), chloramphenicol, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), probenecid, MAO Inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, furazolidone), "water pills" (e.g., thiazides, furosemide), corticosteroids, phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), thyroid drugs, estrogens and birth control pills, niacin, "adrenaline-like" drugs (e.g., pseudoephedrine), "calcium blockers" (e.g., verapamil), isoniazid (INH), drugs which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 inhibitors and inducers such as azole antifungals- e.g., ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics- e.g., clarithromycin, cimetidine, rifamycins- e.g., rifampin, St John's wort, certain anti-seizure medications- e.g., phenytoin). Check all medicine labels (including nonprescription drugs) since many products contain "adrenaline-like" drugs. Consult your pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, fatigue, shakiness, fast heartbeat, nausea, vision changes, confusion, personality changes, seizure, and loss of consciousness.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all important aspects of its treatment including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medication and getting regular eye, foot and medical exams. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) will be performed to monitor for side effects and response to therapy. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Missed Dose

Since this drug is generally given only before meals, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding advice on a missed dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).