Repaglinide: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Repaglinide is a glinide medicine used with diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is most commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, rather than type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Repaglinide requires a prescription in the United Kingdom, and a generic version has been available since 2013-11-22.

Repaglinide is indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control. It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes mellitus or for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.

The medicine may be part of a wider diabetes treatment plan, with blood glucose monitoring used to help prevent and manage low blood glucose. The label also describes use in people with kidney or liver problems, where extra care and dose adjustments may be needed. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children.

The label lists repaglinide oral tablets in 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg strengths. The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg before each meal when HbA1c is less than 8%. The usual starting dose is 1 mg or 2 mg before each meal when HbA1c is 8% or greater.

The label lists a recommended dose range of 0.5 mg to 4 mg before meals, with a maximum daily dose of 16 mg. The label lists dosing 2, 3, or 4 times a day in response to meal patterns. The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg before each meal in severe renal impairment with CrCl of 20 to 40 mL/min.

The label lists administration within 30 minutes before meals. At least one week should elapse after each dose adjustment to assess response.

Repaglinide belongs to the glinide group of medicines. It works mainly by encouraging the pancreas to release more insulin around mealtimes. Insulin helps glucose move from the bloodstream into body tissues, which lowers blood glucose after food.

Because its action is linked to meals, a scheduled dose is omitted when a meal is skipped to reduce the risk of low blood glucose. The effect can be stronger when repaglinide is combined with other medicines that lower blood glucose. The medicine does not replace diet, exercise, or blood glucose monitoring in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Limited available data from case reports and case series have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy can create risks for the mother and fetus.

The label states that repaglinide is not recommended when breastfeeding because of the potential for hypoglycaemia in breastfed infants. Pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.

A missed dose is linked to the meal pattern for this medicine. If a meal is skipped, the scheduled repaglinide dose is also skipped to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia.

A missed dose should not be replaced by an extra dose. If there is uncertainty about a missed dose, a pharmacist or prescriber can provide advice, particularly when other diabetes medicines are used.

Store repaglinide tablets at 20° to 25°C. Protect them from moisture and keep the bottle tightly closed.

The label specifies tight containers with safety closures. Storage as directed on the label helps maintain quality.