NOVONORM 0.5mg Tablets

Repaglinide is used to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside a healthy diet and exercise.

It works by prompting the pancreas to release more insulin, mainly around mealtimes. It controls diabetes but does not cure it.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Take each dose before a meal, any time from about 30 minutes before up to just before eating.
• If you skip a meal, skip that dose. If you add a meal, ask your doctor whether you need an extra dose.
• If you miss a dose and have just started eating, take it straight away. If you have finished the meal, skip it. Never take a double dose.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well, and do not stop without talking to your doctor.

Common side effects include:

• headache
• blocked nose
• joint or back pain
• constipation or diarrhoea

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can happen. Signs include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, hunger, a fast heartbeat, irritability, headache and tingling around the mouth. Take a sugary drink or sweets straight away.

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• severe low blood sugar with confusion, fits or loss of consciousness
• extreme thirst, passing a lot of urine, blurred vision, vomiting, fast breathing or fruity-smelling breath (very high blood sugar)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have type 1 diabetes
• have liver or kidney disease
• take gemfibrozil (they should not normally be taken together)
• take other medicines, including some antibiotics and antifungals, rifampicin, steroids, hormone medicines, blood pressure medicines, warfarin or aspirin, as these can change your blood sugar
• are due to have surgery

Keep in the original tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Alcohol: alcohol can make blood sugar drop. Ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to drink.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a baby or breastfeeding.

Driving: low blood sugar can affect your concentration. Check your sugar and treat lows before driving.