Prandin is an oral tablet made up of a meglitinide drug called repaglinide. Prandin may also be known internationally as Novonorm and can be purchased as the brand choice or as a generic alternative in 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg!

Prandin is may be prescribed alone or with other medications and/or diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients. This is a disease that affects the way the body utilizes sugar. Insulin is created in the pancreas to move the sugar out of the blood so it can be stored for energy when the blood sugar increases. People with type 2 diabetes either cannot produce enough insulin to keep the sugar level balanced or does not know how to use the insulin correctly. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to heart damage, kidney damage, eye damage leading to blindness, and stroke.

Prandin (repaglinide) is effective at controlling high blood sugar levels because it helps the pancreas produce extra insulin.

You should only take this medication the way that you have been directed to by your doctor. It is important to follow your doctor’s directions to achieve the full benefit of the medication and to avoid adverse interactions. Directions given by your doctor can commonly be found on the prescription label. If you are unsure on how to take this medication, call your health care professionals.

This medication is typically taken 2-4 times a day, within 30 minutes of eating. If you skip a meal, skip your dose and wait to take it at your next meal. You will need to keep up with blood sugar tests to ensure the medication is working properly. If this medication is only part of treatment, along with diet and exercise, ensure you are following the entire treatment plan.

For the longest shelf life; store at room temperature in an area that is low risk for moisture or heat.

Do not use Prandin (repaglinide)

Do not use this product if you are allergic to repaglinide.

This product should not be used by those who have severe liver disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, or if you also take gemfibrozil.

Prandin is not approved for those under the age of 18 years old.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you to take, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or if you take metformin or other diabetes medicines.

Risks

Controlling blood sugar during pregnancy is very important. If you are pregnant, ensure you are following your doctors directions very carefully. Do not stop or start this medication without professional medical advice.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing infant. If this concerns you, speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of breast feeding while taking Prandin.

Other

Your doctor may prescribe you a glucagon emergency injection kit. This kit is used in case of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Before starting treatment, ensure at least one household member and yourself know how to properly use the injection kit.

Blood sugar levels may be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.

Common side effects of Prandin (repaglinide) may include:

low blood sugar; nausea, diarrhea; headache, back pain; joint pain; or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Prandin (repaglinide) may include:

severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate; or pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical services right away. An overdose on this drug can be life-threatening. Sometimes, severe hypoglycemia can be mistaken as an overdose. Signs of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).

What is the average dose for an adult with diabetes type 2?

The average dose for an adult with diabetes type 2 is 0.5mg with each meal. You may double the dose as needed up to a 4mg per meal not to exceed 16mg per day.

What should I avoid while using this medication?

Avoid drinking alcohol throughout the duration of treatment with Prandin. Alcohol lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

Can children use Prandin?

No. This product is not approved for those under the age of 18 years old. Speak with a health care professional to learn about diabetes medications that are appropriate for children.