For doctors
What is it and how is it used?
NovoNorm 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).

NovoNorm 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. NovoNorm can also be given with metformin, another medicine for diabetes.

What do you have to consider before using it?
Do not take NovoNorm:

If any of these apply to you, tell your doctor and do not take NovoNorm.

Take special care with NovoNorm:

Talk to your doctor if any of the above applies to you. NovoNorm 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 NovoNorm 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 NovoNorm, food or exercise may need to be adjusted.

Using other medicines

You can take NovoNorm 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 NovoNorm.

Your body’s response to NovoNorm 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 NovoNorm with food and drink

Take NovoNorm before main meals. Alcohol can change the ability of NovoNorm to reduce the blood sugar. Watch for signs of a hypo.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

You should not take NovoNorm 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 NovoNorm 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: