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.

NATEGLINIDE - ORAL

(nah-TEGG-lin-ide)

Uses

Nateglinide is used, either alone or in combination with metformin, to treat type-2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. It lowers blood glucose levels by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, circulation problems, and blindness.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth usually three times daily within 30 minutes before the start of each meal; or take as directed by your doctor. If you skip a meal, skip your dose of medication; do not take the dose of nateglinide that would be due with the missed meal. If you have previously used certain other diabetes medications (e.g., glyburide, glipizide), nateglinide may not work for you. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (e.g., your blood or urine sugar level increases).

Side Effects

Dizziness may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: low blood sugar (with symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, hunger, rapid pulse). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: confusion, seizures. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: type 1 diabetes (insulin- dependent), diabetic ketoacidosis. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, adrenal or pituitary gland problems, nerve disorders (e.g., autonomic neuropathy), gout, alcohol abuse, any allergies. Fever, serious infection or injury, or major surgery may increase your blood sugar level, temporarily decreasing the effectiveness of nateglinide. Consult your doctor for details. Caution is advised when this medication is used in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to drug side effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes 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.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: other diabetes medications (e.g., glyburide, rosiglitazone, tolbutamide), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), certain "water pills" (thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), sympathomimetic drugs (adrenaline-like medications such as pseudoephedrine), thyroid medication (e.g., levothyroxine). Alcohol may interact with the effects of this medication; if you drink alcohol, inform your doctor. 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: severe sweating, unusually fast heartbeat, 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, medications 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

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up and do not take a dose until it is within 30 minutes of your next meal (e.g., your usual dosing schedule).

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.

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).