Diabetes / Generic Prandin

Prandin(repaglinide) is used for:

Managing type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. It is used in addition to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults who cannot manage with diet, exercise, or diabetic medications alone. It may be used with other diabetes medicines.

Prandin is a meglitinide antidiabetic. It works to lower blood glucose (sugar) by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas gland. Prandin does not work in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, because in this condition the pancreas gland is not capable of making or releasing insulin.

Do NOT use Prandin(repaglinide) if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Prandin
• you have type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) or have elevated ketone levels due to diabetes
• you are also taking gemfibrozil

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Prandin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Prandin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of acidosis, kidney disease, or liver disease

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Prandin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Rifampin because the effectiveness of Prandin may be decreased
• 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 it may increase the risk of side effects of Prandin

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Prandin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Prandin :

Use Prandin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Prandin 15 to 30 minutes before each meal. If you skip a meal, do not take the dose for the skipped meal. If you add an extra meal, take an extra dose with that meal.
• If you miss a dose of Prandin , skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

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

Important safety information:

• Fever, injury, infection, or surgery may affect your diabetes control. If any of these occur, check with your doctor.
• Diabetes patients - Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor’s directions. If your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are taking Prandin according to directions, check with your doctor.
• Diabetes patients - Prandin 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 a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals.
• Carefully follow the diet and exercise program prescribed by your health care provider.
• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Prandin.
• LAB TESTS, such as liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, or complete blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab test appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Prandin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Prandin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Prandin.

Possible side effects of Prandin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Changes in vision; diarrhea; headache; increased heartbeat; increased hunger; joint or back pain; nasal or chest congestion; nervousness; sinus inflammation; sweating; tiredness; tremor.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain.