Generic Prandin

Prandin is often used to treat type 2 diabetes. It encourages the pancreas to release the appropriate amount of blood sugar after food is introduced to the body. It is not appropriate for patients with type 1 diabetes. Prandin is most effective when used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program, along with additional medications when necessary. It can also be prescribed in its generic form, repaglindine.

Even with treatment patients may experience sudden drops in blood sugar. Serious blood sugar drops can result in coma and even death, thus patients should be aware of their symptoms and treat as necessary. Milk, fruit juices, hard candy, chocolate, and glucose tablets can help raise the blood sugar levels back to their normal levels.

Medication, diet and exercise programs work best when they are kept as close to routine as possible. Sudden changes and alterations can cause unpredictable blood sugar levels.

Patients should be forthcoming about any potential medical conditions that may not tolerate their use of Prandin. Patients with a history of liver disease, kidney disease, infection, illness, injury, diabetic ketoacidosis, type 1 diabetes, or the current need for a surgical procedure are not likely to tolerate this medication without extra testing, monitoring, and cautious use.

The American Food and Drug Administration assigned Prandin a pregnancy risk rating of category C. This means it has yet to be determined whether or not Prandin will cause harm to a developing fetus, or whether it is secreted through the mother’s breast milk and its potential to harm a nursing infant. Patients who are pregnant, nursing, or are likely to become pregnant should not take this medication.

Most patients are prescribed this medication to be taken twice per day, 15 minutes before each meal. The medication is effective if taken between 30 minutes prior to a meal of immediately before a meal. If a dose is missed, however, it should be skipped and the next dose should be taken. Patients should never take a double dose to make up for missed medication.

In the event that a meal is missed, the dose of Prandin should also be skipped. If the patient begins to alter his or her eating habits significantly, the physician should be informed as it may indicate a need to change the medication.

An overdose of Prandin should be taken very seriously. Patients may present with symptoms such as drowsiness, headaches, weakness, cold sweats, hunger, anxiety, nausea, loss of consciousness, coma, or death.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is the most common side effect associated with Prandin. This usually occurs because there is not enough medication in the body due to sudden or drastic change in the patient’s routine. Symptoms include cold sweats, hunger, nausea, tremors, weakness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, drowsiness, and in severe cases, coma or even death.

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is usually presented with a significantly increased sense of thirst and hunger, and increased urine output. These side effects also generally occur because there is too much medication in the patient’s blood or the patient has made a drastic change to their routine.

Side effects can often be managed with food intake, more for low blood sugar and less for high blood sugar. However, the physician should be apprised of how often food management is required to offset side effects.

Allergic reactions, which generally entail swelling of the face, lips, mouth, and tongue, hives, and difficulty breathing should be treated by an emergency room physician. Serious drops or increases in blood sugar should also be managed by an emergency room physician.

Patients should always consult their physician before taking any type of new medication, including over the counter, prescription, herbal, or vitamin supplement. Blood thinners, rifampin, sulfa drugs, phenytoin, steroids, NSAID pain relievers, beta blockers, aspirin, salicylates, diuretics, birth control pills, hormones, erythromycin, phenothiazines, thyroid medications, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, and probenecid have an understood history of developing negative interactions with Prandin.