What is repaglinide?
Repaglinide is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. This medication lowers blood sugar by causing the pancreas to produce insulin.
Repaglinide is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with repaglinide if needed.
Repaglinide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about repaglinide?
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 repaglinide together with gemfibrozil (Lopid) or NPH insulin (such as isophane insulin).
Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress. Symptoms include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremor, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Carry hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Other sugar sources include orange juice and milk. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (hyperglycemia). These symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss. Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need to adjust your repaglinide dose.
Repaglinide 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.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking repaglinide?
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 repaglinide together with gemfibrozil (Lopid) or NPH insulin (such as isophane insulin).
To make sure you can safely take repaglinide, tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether repaglinide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether repaglinide passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking repaglinide.