Repaglinide (By mouth)

Introduction:

Repaglinide (re-PAG-li-nide)

Used together with diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Prandin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• Take this medicine before each meal, up to 4 times per day. You may take the medicine just before you eat, or you may take it up to 30 minutes before eating.
• Do not use the medicine if you skip a meal. If you eat an extra meal, then use an extra dose of the medicine before that extra meal.

If a dose is missed:

• If you forget to use the medicine before your meal, skip that dose. Do not try to make it up. Then use your next dose as planned, before your next meal.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that can cause problems if you use them together with repaglinide. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using carbamazepine (Tegretol®), gemfibrozil (Lopid®), erythromycin, itraconazole (Sporanox®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), miconazole, phenobarbital, simvastatin (Zocor®), clarithromycin (Biaxin®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®), or ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (Alesse®, Levora®, Triphasil®).
• Tell your doctor if you are also using blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, timolol, Blocadren®, Inderal®, Toprol®).
• Some medicines may raise your blood sugar and affect the way repaglinide works. These medicines include diuretics or "water pills," thyroid medicine, Dilantin®, and some heart or blood pressure medicines.
• Other medicines that may lower your blood sugar include sulfa drugs, chloramphenicol, warfarin (Coumadin®), MAO inhibitors (Marplan®, Eldepryl®, Parnate®, Nardil®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or an adrenal or pituitary gland disorder.
• Carefully follow your doctor's orders about diet and exercise. It is also important to check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor.
• This medicine will lower your blood sugar and can cause hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar may also get too low if you miss a meal, exercise for a long time, drink alcohol, or use other medicines that lower your blood sugar.
• If your blood sugar gets too low, you may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may also sweat, shake, or have blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, or a headache that will not go away. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), check your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or below, do one of the following: Drink 4 ounces (one-half cup) of fruit juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of hard candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Re-check your blood sugar 15 minutes later. If your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL, eat a snack or a meal. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, drink one-half cup juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Carry candy or some type of sugar with you at all times, especially if you are away from home. You can take this if you feel that your blood sugar is too low, even if you do not have a blood glucose meter. Always carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how to treat your low blood sugar. Learn what to do if your blood sugar gets too low. Teach friends, co-workers, and family members what they can do to help if you have low blood sugar.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough, sore throat, sneezing.
• Joint pain or headache.
• Runny or stuffy nose.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: