Repaglinide tablets
What do repaglinide tablets do?
REPAGLINIDE (Prandin(TM)) helps to treat Type II diabetes mellitus. Treatment is combined with a balanced diet and suitable exercise. Repaglinide increases the amount of insulin released from the pancreas, which helps to control blood sugar.
What should my health care professional know before I take repaglinide?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• major surgery
• severe infection or injury
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to repaglinide or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take repaglinide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. The dose should be taken no earlier than 30 minutes before every meal. If a meal is added, take a tablet before that meal. Do not take more often than directed or without a meal.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with repaglinide?
• barbiturates like phenobarbital or primidone
• carbamazepine
• erythromycin
• ketoconazole
• miconazole
• rifampin
Many medications may cause changes (increase or decrease) in blood sugar, these include:
• alcohol containing beverages
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
• chromium
• female hormones, such as estrogens, progestins, or contraceptive pills
• isoniazid
• male hormones or anabolic steroids
• medications to suppress appetite or for weight loss
• medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• niacin
• pentamidine
• phenytoin
• some herbal dietary supplements
• steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
• thyroid hormones
• water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking repaglinide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) which can cause symptoms such as anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, hunger, pale skin, nausea, fatigue, sweating, headache, palpitations, numbness of the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold sensations, uncontrolled yawning, irritability, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness
• breathing difficulties, severe skin reactions or excessive phlegm, which may indicate that you are having an allergic reaction to the drug
• dark yellow or brown urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin, indicating that the drug is affecting your liver
• fever, chills, sore throat; which means the drug may be affecting your immune system
• unusual bleeding or bruising; which occurs when the drug is affecting your blood clotting system
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache
• joint or back pain
• nausea