Gluconorm

Common Name: repaglinide

How does Gluconorm work?

Repaglinide belongs to the class of medications called anti-diabetes agents. It is an oral hypoglycemic (lowering of blood sugar) medication used along with proper diet and exercise for the control of blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes. It is used when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not been found to control blood glucose well enough on their own. Repaglinide may also be used in combination with metformin, another medication that lowers blood sugar, when either medication (in addition to diet, exercise, and weight reduction) do not control blood sugar well enough on their own. Repaglinide helps to control blood sugar by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Gluconorm?

The usual dose of repaglinide is based on response to the medication, but is usually started at 0.5 mg taken 15 to 30 minutes before meals. It may also be taken immediately before a meal. The dose is increased by your doctor based on your response to the medication. The maximum daily dose is 16 mg. Repaglinide may be used along with other medications that reduce blood glucose if one medication is not enough to reduce blood glucose levels to the desired range. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Gluconorm come in?

GlucoNorm® is available in strengths of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. 0.5 mg: Each white, unscored tablet, embossed with a symbol of a bull, contains repaglinide 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate (anhydrous), glycerin, magnesium stearate, maize starch, meglumine, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, poloxamer, and povidone. 1 mg: Each yellow, unscored tablet, embossed with a symbol of a bull, contains repaglinide 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate (anhydrous), glycerin, magnesium stearate, maize starch, meglumine, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, poloxamer, povidone, and yellow iron oxide. 2 mg: Each peach, unscored tablet, embossed with a symbol of a bull, contains repaglinide 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate (anhydrous), glycerin, magnesium stearate, maize starch, meglumine, microcrystalline cellulose, polacrilin potassium, poloxamer, povidone, and red iron oxide.

What should I NOT take with Gluconorm?

Repaglinide should not be taken by: anyone allergic to repaglinide or any of the ingredients of the medication people with diabetic ketoacidosis with or without coma (they should be treated with insulin) people with type 1 diabetes anyone who is taking or will be taking gemfibrozil

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Gluconorm?

Blood glucose control: If you are exposed to extra stress such as fever, trauma, infection, or surgery, your blood glucose control may vary. Monitor your blood glucose carefully and call the doctor if any important changes occur in your control. Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): The blood glucose-lowering effects of repaglinide may be increased when taken together with gemfibrozil. People who are using repaglinide and gemfibrozil at the same time may be at risk of severe and prolonged lowering of blood sugar levels. Liver function: Reduced liver function may cause higher levels of repaglinide in the body and increase the risk for low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Make sure you report all your medical conditions to your doctor(s). Missed dose: This medication acts by promoting the secretion of insulin and should be taken before meals. If a meal is skipped or delayed, the dosing of repaglinide should be skipped or delayed as well. Pregnancy: The safety of repaglinide for pregnant women has not been established. Repaglinide is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Breast-feeding: This medication may cause low blood sugar for nursing infants. If you are breast-feeding, decide with your doctor whether you should stop breast-feeding or stop taking this medication. Children: This medication has not been studied for use by children.