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Home > Drug Category > Diabetic Medications and Products > Prandin and Equivalent

Prandin Information

Prandin (Repaglinide) is primarily used, in conjunction with diet and exercise, to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is particularly effective for managing postprandial hyperglycemia (spike in blood sugar after meals). Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or has become resistant to its effects, leading to abnormally high blood sugar. Its active ingredient is repaglinide, and it is classified as an oral antihyperglycemic agent in the meglitinide class.

Repaglinide works by stimulating pancreatic ß-cell secretion of insulin. Unlike some other medications that have a slower onset, repaglinide has a rapid onset and a short duration of action. It acts on pancreatic beta cells by closing specific potassium channels. This opens calcium channels, leading to an influx of calcium and a resultant surge, which rapidly triggers beta cells to secrete insulin into the bloodstream. Because it acts so quickly, its use is adjusted to coincide with mealtimes. This mechanism allows for better control over the immediate increase in blood glucose from the food you just ate.

Unlike some other antidiabetic medications, it carries a lower risk of causing dangerously low blood glucose when used correctly, because its effect wears off after a few hours and doesn't persist between meals. It is important to note that repaglinide is not used for people with type 1 diabetes or for treating diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition that occurs with poor glucose control.

Prandin Side Effects

Like all medications, repaglinide appears to have a range of possible side effects. Its common mild side effects include diarrhoea, stomach pain, and signs of low blood sugar such as tremors, dizziness, sweating, or anxiety. Low blood sugar may occur if you skip a meal, exercise more than usual, or misuse this medication. Also, like many drugs that boost insulin production, repaglinide can sometimes lead to gaining a little weight.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Heart problems such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat;
• Liver Problems with symptoms such as yellow eyes or skin, severe stomach pain, or dark urine;
• Severely low blood sugar, such as severe confusion, trouble speaking, seizures, or even passing out

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Prandin Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to repaglinide, other ingredients in Prandin, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Diabetic ketoacidosis;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Type 1 diabetes

Inform your doctor that you are taking this medication before going for any surgery, as this medication may be reviewed. This medication is not recommended for use in individuals younger than 18 years. Check your blood glucose immediately if you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, and take glucose tablets or a high-sugar snack or drink if your blood glucose is abnormally low. Avoid the intake of alcohol while using this medication, as it can mask the warning signs of hypoglycemia, making it harder for you to realize you have low blood sugar.

You should usually only take repaglinide during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, and only if your doctor explicitly prescribes it. Because of the potential risk of low blood sugar in breastfed infants of women taking this medication, it is generally recommended not to breastfeed while taking repaglinide. Doctors will typically suggest either switching to a safer medication (like insulin) or discontinuing breastfeeding. Certain drugs interact poorly with repaglinide and can cause dangerous spikes in the amount of medication in your blood. For example, taking remfibrozil along with repaglinide can cause the levels of repaglinide in your body to skyrocket, leading to severely low blood sugar. Therefore, before taking Prandin, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether repaglinide is safe to use with them.

Take repaglinide approximately 15 to 30 minutes before each main meal to target the postprandial glucose spike effectively. The dosage is usually adjusted to your meal pattern. It is important to remember the ”skip a meal, skip the dose” rule to prevent dangerous drops in blood sugar; if you miss a meal, do not take the pill. Consult your doctor for the appropriate and effective dosage schedule for your condition. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for more usage instructions. Store the medication at room temperature (around 25°C), and keep it away from children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Prandin?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Prandin.