Nateglinide Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

NATEGLINIDE (nuh TAY gli nide) helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetic ketoacidosis

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nateglinide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The dose should be taken no earlier than 30 minutes before every meal. If an extra meal is added, take a tablet before that meal. If a meal is skipped, skip the dose for that meal. Do not take more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose before a meal, skip that dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose with the next scheduled meal as directed. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Many medications may cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar, these include:

• alcohol containing beverages

• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

• chloramphenicol

• chromium

• diuretics

• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills

• heart medicines

• isoniazid

• male hormones or anabolic steroids

• medicines for weight loss

• medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough

• medicines for mental problems

• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl

• niacin

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• other medicines for diabetes including tolbutamide

• pentamidine

• phenytoin

• probenecid

• quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin

• some herbal dietary supplements

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• thyroid medicine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.

Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious, confusion, dizziness, increased hunger, unusually weak or tired, sweating, shakiness, cold, irritable, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• back pain

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• joint pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.