Nateglinide is used to treat diabetes. This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in control.
Nateglinide is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Nateglinide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine immediately before or up to 30 minutes before meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Try to take it at the same time each day.
Nateglinide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have other type of diabetes such as type 1 diabetes as Nateglinide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney or liver disease
- adrenal or pituitary insufficiency
- stress-related states such as fever, trauma, infection, surgery
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Nateglinide.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may need to do blood tests to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
You may have been warned about hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. It is important for you to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and correct the low blood sugar level. If you don't, you may faint.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Some of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, headache, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking. These symptoms are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar is dangerously low.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
You should take a drink or food containing sugar (e.g. fruit juice, soft drinks or sweets) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help. Keep some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you at all times.
Nateglinide may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause any of the following side effects: flu-like symptoms, headache, cough, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea and joint pain or inflammation.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for fungal infections e.g. fluconazole
- medicines for high cholesterol e.g. gemfibrozil
- medicines for TB e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizure) e.g. phenytoin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Nateglinide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.