Information about Repaglinide (Generic Prandin) :


Repaglinide is a meglitinide antidiabetic that is used for managing type 2(non-insulin-dependent)diabetes. It is recommended to use in addition to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults who cannot manage with diet, exercise, or diabetic medications alone. Repaglinide lowers blood glucose (sugar) by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. It may be used with other diabetes drugs. Be aware that Repaglinide does not work in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes.

You should not use Repaglinide in case you have conditions mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Repaglinide; you have type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) or have elevated ketone levels due to diabetes; you are also taking gemfibrozil.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Before using Repaglinide :
Before using Repaglinide you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have a history of acidosis, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Be aware that Repaglinide may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: rifampin because they decrease the effectiveness of Repaglinide; beta blockers (eg, propranolol), gemfibrozil, imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), macrolides and ketolides (eg, erythromycin, azithromycin), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because side effects, such as low blood sugar, may be increased; insulin because of the increased risk of side effects.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Repaglinide:
You should use Repaglinide as recommended by your doctor: 15 to 30 minutes before each meal. In case you skip a meal, do not take the extra dose for the skipped meal. Nevertheless in case you add an extra meal, take an extra dose with that meal.

In case you miss a dose, skip the missed one and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Repaglinide.

Important safety information:
You should carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes.

It is obligatory to check your blood sugar levels as recommended by your doctor. If they are higher than they should be and you use Repaglinide exactly as prescribed, consult with your doctor.

Follow prescribed recommendations and exercise program strictly.

Notice your doctor or dentist that you use Repaglinide before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Some factors such as fever, injury, infection, or surgery may affect your diabetes control. In case you have any of these, consult with your doctor.

Repaglinide usage may cause low blood sugar (eg, increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting). It is necessary to carry a reliable source of glucose (e.g., tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. In cases this is unavailable; you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. It elevates your blood sugar level rather quickly. Consult with your doctor if this happens immediately. Do not skip meals and eat meals at the same time each day.

Lab tests, including liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, or complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you are using Repaglinide. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of Repaglinide usage while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Repaglinide passes into breast milk. Do not breast-feed a baby while using Repaglinide.

Possible side effects of Repaglinide:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: changes in vision; diarrhea; headache; increased heartbeat; increased hunger; joint or back pain; nasal or chest congestion; nervousness; sinus inflammation; sweating; tiredness; tremor.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It may be different for various batches.