Repaglinide

REPAGLINIDE - ORAL (reh-PAGG-lin-ide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prandin

USES: This medication is used along with a diet and exercise program to treat Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: 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: 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, phenytoin, niacin, "adrenaline-like" drugs (e.g., pseudoephedrine), "calcium blockers" (e.g., verapamil), isoniazid (INH). 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. Learn about lifestyle changes you can make to aid in the management of your diabetes, including diet, exercise, personal hygiene (e.g., foot care), regular eye exams and blood glucose testing (especially at home). Consult your pharmacist. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease and circulation problems.

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.