Nateglinide

About nateglinide

Nateglinide can be used to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus, alongside another antidiabetic medicine called metformin.

Insulin is made naturally in the pancreas. It regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. If the body does not make enough insulin to meet its needs, or does not properly use the insulin it makes, this results in the condition called diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).

Nateglinide works by speeding up the release of insulin from the pancreas.

Before taking nateglinide

Before taking nateglinide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from liver problems.
• If you are an insulin dependent diabetic.
• If you have had an operation, or about to have one.
• If you have an infection.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take nateglinide

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Nateglinide should be taken within 1 to 30 minutes before each main meal.
• Try to remember to take your dose at the right time. If you do forget to take a dose just carry on as normal at the next mealtime. Never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• It is important that you follow any dietary instructions that you have been given by your doctor or nurse.
• Check regularly that your diabetes is being well controlled.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. Alcohol may produce low blood sugar and affects the control of your condition.
• Keep your regular appointment with your doctor or nurse. Your doctor may want to adjust the dose of nateglinide that you are taking.
• If you miss a meal, exercise more than usual or cannot eat because of illness, hypoglycaemia can occur (low blood sugar). The symptoms to look out for include anxiousness, sweating, confusion, headache, feeling sick, palpitations (being aware of your heartbeat), shaking, unusual tiredness, or weakness. Eat something containing sugar such as glucose tablets, biscuits or a sugary drink (not diet) and follow this up with a starchy snack, such as a sandwich to raise your blood sugar. Let your doctor or nurse know about this as soon as you are able.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor or nurse first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can nateglinide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store nateglinide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines