Repaglinide is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Repaglinide is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Repaglinide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine immediately before or up to 30 minutes before each main meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Repaglinide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetic ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body)
- type 1 diabetes (long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin)
- severe liver disease
as Repaglinide may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Repaglinide with gemfibrozil (cholesterol-lowering medicine).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- infection or fever
- kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Repaglinide to a debilitated individual (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age) or malnourished individual (lack of nutrition necessary for the body to function). They may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
To help control your diabetes, it is important to continue following the diet and exercise recommended by your doctor while you are taking Repaglinide.
If you are taking this medicine, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after the second serving.
Repaglinide may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which may affect your ability to concentrate and react. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, headache, back pain, and joint pain.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Repaglinide if you are taking gemfibrozil (cholesterol-lowering medicine).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- clopidogrel (blood-thinning medicine)
- NSAIDs (medicine for pain and inflammation)
- birth control pills
- asthma medicines e.g. salbutamol, terbutaline
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines to treat depression
- medicines for high blood pressure
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Repaglinide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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