Prandin Diabetes Type 2 Treatment - Prandin Patient Information

Brand Name: Prandin
Generic Name: repaglinide (oral)

Pronunciation: (re PAG li nide)

Prandin, repaglinide (oral) full prescribing information

What is Prandin and why is it prescribed?

Prandin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. This medication lowers blood sugar by causing the pancreas to produce insulin.

Prandin is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. Other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with repaglinide if needed.

Prandin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Prandin?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to repaglinide, if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). You should not use Prandin together with NPH insulin (such as isophane insulin).

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection. If your blood sugar gets too high (hyperglycemia), you may feel very thirsty or hungry. You may also urinate more than usual. Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of hyperglycemia.

Prandin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

It is important to take Prandin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Prandin?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to repaglinide, if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). You should not use Prandin together with NPH insulin (such as isophane insulin).

Before taking Prandin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have liver disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Prandin passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take Prandin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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How should I take Prandin?

Take Prandin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription.

Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Do not change your dose of Prandin without first talking to your doctor. Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Prandin is usually taken 2 to 4 times daily, within 30 minutes before eating a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions. If you skip a meal, do not take your dose of Prandin. Wait until your next meal.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to check your blood sugar at home. Your blood will also need to be tested by your doctor on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Prandin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

It is important to take Prandin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store Prandin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but only if you are getting ready to eat a meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include hunger, nausea, anxiety, cold sweats, weakness, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking Prandin?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Prandin. Alcohol can lower your blood sugar.

Prandin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• seizure (convulsions); or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, cold or flu symptoms;
• diarrhea, nausea;
• back pain, headache;
• dizziness; or
• joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Prandin?

Before you take Prandin, tell your doctor if you also take gemfibrozil (Lopid) or itraconazole (Sporanox).

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you are taking Prandin with other drugs that raise blood sugar. Drugs that can raise blood sugar include:

• isoniazid;
• diuretics (water pills);
• steroids (prednisone and others);
• phenothiazines (Compazine and others);
• thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);
• birth control pills and other hormones;
• seizure medicines (Dilantin and others); and
• diet pills or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.

You may be more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you are taking Prandin with other drugs that lower blood sugar. Drugs that can lower blood sugar include:

• probenecid (Benemid);
• some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
• aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol);
• sulfa drugs (Bactrim, Gantanol, Septra, and others);
• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); or
• beta-blockers (Tenormin and others).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Prandin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Prandin.
• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

last updated: 06/2009

Prandin, repaglinide (oral) full prescribing information

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