Examples
|
| Starlix | nateglinide |
| Prandin | repaglinide |
Nateglinide (Starlix), repaglinide (Prandin), and the
combination medicine repaglinide and metformin (Prandimet) help stop the rapid
rise in blood sugar levels that can occur immediately after a person with
eats.
How It Works
Meglitinides increase the amount of
produced by the
, which lowers blood sugar.
Meglitinides work quickly and do not stay in
the body long, so they need to be taken at or just before each meal.
Why It Is Used
Meglitinides are used to treat
type 2 diabetes in people whose blood sugar levels have not stayed within a
target range even though the people are being active and eating healthy foods.
Both meglitinides and medicines increase the amount of insulin made by the pancreas, but some people have problems with weight gain and low blood sugar with sulfonylureas. Meglitinides seem to cause less weight gain and low blood sugar compared to sulfonylureas.
Because meglitinides work quickly and do not stay in the body long, they are good for people
who do not or cannot eat on the same schedule each day.
How Well It Works
Diabetes medicines work best for people who are being active and eating healthy foods. Studies have suggested that meglitinides lower hemoglobin A1c by 0.5% to 1.5%.
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that can get worse over time, so medicines may need to change.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Hives.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Seizures.
Call your doctor if you have: