What is it and how is it used?
Prandin is an oral antidiabetic agent containing repaglinide which helps your pancreas produce more insulin and thereby lower your blood sugar (glucose).
Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which your pancreas does not make enough insulin to control the sugar in your blood or where your body does not respond normally to the insulin it produces (formerly known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or maturity onset diabetes).
Prandin is used to control type 2 diabetes as an add-on to diet and exercise: treatment is usually started if diet, exercise and weight reduction alone have not been able to control (or lower) your blood sugar. Prandin can also be given with metformin, another medicine for diabetes.
What do you have to consider before using it?
Do not take Prandin:
If any of these apply to you, tell your doctor and do not take Prandin.
Take special care with Prandin:
Talk to your doctor if any of the above applies to you. Prandin may not be suitable for you. Your doctor will advise you.
If you get a hypo
You may get a hypo (short for a hypoglycaemic reaction and is symptoms of low blood sugar) if your blood sugar gets too low. This may happen:
The warning signs of a hypo may come on suddenly and can include: cold sweat; cool pale skin; headache; rapid heart beat; feeling sick; feeling very hungry; temporary changes in vision; drowsiness; unusual tiredness and weakness; nervousness or tremor; feeling anxious; feeling confused; difficulty in concentrating.
If your blood sugar is low or you feel a hypo coming on: eat glucose tablets or a high sugar snack or drink, then rest.
When symptoms of hypoglycaemia have disappeared or when blood sugar levels are stabilised continue Prandin treatment.
Tell people you have diabetes and that if you pass out (become unconscious) due to a hypo, they must turn you on your side and get medical help straight away. They must not give you any food or drink.It could choke you.
If your blood sugar gets too high
Your blood sugar may get too high (hyperglycaemia). This may happen:
The warning signs appear gradually. They include: increased urination; feeling thirsty; dry skin and dry mouth. Talk to your doctor. The amount of Prandin, food or exercise may need to be adjusted.
Using other medicines
You can take Prandin with metformin, another medicine for diabetes, if your doctor prescribes it. If you take gemfibrozil (used to lower increased fat levels in the blood) you should not take Prandin.
Your body’s response to Prandin may change if you take other medicines, especially these:
Tell your doctor if you have recently taken or are planning to take any of these medicines, or any medicines obtained without a prescription.
Using Prandin with food and drink
Take Prandin before main meals. Alcohol can change the ability of Prandin to reduce the blood sugar. Watch for signs of a hypo.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
You should not take Prandin if you are pregnant or you are planning to become pregnant. See your doctor as soon as possible if you become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during treatment.
You should not take Prandin if you are breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
Your ability to drive or operate a machine may be affected if your blood sugar is low or high. Bear in mind that you could endanger yourself or others. Please ask your doctor whether you can drive a car if you:
How is it used?
Your doctor will work out your dose.
Do not take more Prandin than your doctor has recommended. Always take Prandin exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor if you are not sure.
If you take more Prandin than you should
If you take too many tablets, your blood sugar may become too low, leading to a hypo. Please see If you get a hypo on what a hypo is and how to treat it.
If you forget to take Prandin
If you miss a dose, take the next dose as usual - do not double the dose.
If you stop taking Prandin
Be aware that the desired effect is not achieved if you stop taking Prandin. Your diabetes may get worse. If any change of your treatment is necessary contact your doctor first.
If you have any further questions on the use of Prandin, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What are possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Prandin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Possible side effects
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 patients)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1000 patients)
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 patients)
Frequency unknown
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor.
How should it be stored?
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a dry place in order to protect from moisture. Store in the original package.
Do not use after the expiry date. The expiry date refers to the last date of that month. This is stated on the outer carton and the blister foil.
Medicines should not be disposed of down the drain or in household rubbish. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
