Prandin (Repaglinide)

Description

Prandin (Repaglinide) is a medicine that helps adults with Type 2 diabetes control blood sugar levels. It belongs to a group of medications called meglitinides. Prandin works by encouraging the pancreas to produce insulin, which helps lower blood sugar. Doctors often recommend taking Prandin along with a healthy diet and exercise to improve blood sugar management. It comes in tablet form with different strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.

Directions

The typical Prandin dosage is 0.5 to 4 mg before each meal. The starting dose can vary but often begins at 0.5 mg, and it may be increased based on blood sugar response, with a maximum of 16 mg per day. Prandin should be taken within 30 minutes before meals. If a meal is skipped, the corresponding dose of Prandin should also be skipped to avoid the risk of hypoglycemia. Likewise, if an extra meal is added, an additional dose should be taken.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Prandin is Repaglinide.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Hypersensitivity to Repaglinide or any ingredients in the drug
• Diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires insulin to correct the metabolic disturbances
• Type 1 diabetes, as Prandin is ineffective in this form of diabetes
• Concurrent use with Gemfibrozil, a drug that can significantly increase the effect of Repaglinide

Cautions

• Before starting treatment with Prandin, be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you have:
• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications you are currently taking
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Prandin can cause low blood sugar, which may lead to symptoms like dizziness, shakiness, confusion, or seizures in severe cases. The risk is higher if you skip meals, change your activity level, or have kidney or liver issues. Always take Prandin before meals and monitor your blood sugar regularly to recognize and manage low blood sugar effectively.
• Serious heart problems, like chest pain from reduced blood flow (myocardial ischemia), have been reported in people taking Prandin with NPH-insulin. Prandin should not be combined with NPH-insulin to avoid these risks.
• There is no evidence that Prandin reduces the risk of major heart or vascular problems. Use this medication as prescribed and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Prandin include upper respiratory infections, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, back pain, and dizziness. A potentially serious side effect is hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which occurred in 31% of patients taking Prandin during clinical trials, compared to 7% in those receiving a placebo. Most hypoglycemia cases were mild or moderate, with no serious incidents requiring hospitalization.

Prandin may also increase the risk of heart-related problems, especially when combined with other medications like insulin. Some users have reported swelling in their legs or feet and, in rare cases, heart failure when taken with thiazolidinediones. Postmarketing reports have included serious conditions like pancreatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and severe liver issues, including jaundice and hepatitis.

References

1. Prandin (Repaglinide) Product Monograph. Bridgewater, NJ: Gemini Laboratories, LLC; 2019.
2. Prandin (Repaglinide) Drug Label Information. Roanoke, VA: Carilion Materials Management; 2016.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....