Prandin (repaglinide) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels by causing the pancreas to produce insulin.
Prandin is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with Prandin if needed.
Important information
You should not use Prandin if you have type 1 diabetes, severe liver disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
You should not use Prandin together with gemfibrozil (Lopid) or NPH insulin (such as isophane insulin).
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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Prandin if you are allergic to repaglinide, or if you have:
To make sure Prandin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Prandin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Your doctor may recommend using insulin to be sure your blood sugar is well-controlled during pregnancy.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether repaglinide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
How should I take Prandin?
Take Prandin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
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.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor"s office.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.
Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor"s advice.
Prandin is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor"s instructions very closely.
Store Prandin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Prandin dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:
Patients who have not previously taken an oral hypoglycemic or patients who have an HbA1c less than 8%: 0.5 mg orally with meals.
Patients previously treated with an oral hypoglycemic or patients who have an HbA1c greater than or equal to 8%: 1 to 2 mg orally with meals.
All doses should be taken within 15 minutes of the meal or as much as 30 minutes before the meal. If a meal is skipped, the Prandin dose should also be skipped. Likewise, if a meal is added during the day, so should a dose of Prandin.
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. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Use Prandin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A Prandin overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking Prandin?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.
Prandin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Prandin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
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pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness; or
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severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common Prandin side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Prandin?
Many other medicines that can increase or decrease the effects of Prandin on lowering your blood sugar. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
