Repaglinide: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Repaglinide is a short-acting meglitinide diabetes medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for type 2 diabetes. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Repaglinide works
Repaglinide stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release a quick burst of insulin. The effect starts within minutes and lasts only a few hours, so it mainly lowers the blood sugar rise that follows a meal and is less likely to cause prolonged low blood sugar.
What is Repaglinide used for?
Repaglinide is used to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone are not enough. It is taken around main meals and helps control the rise in blood sugar after eating. It can be used on its own or together with metformin. Because it acts quickly and briefly, it can suit people whose meal times vary.
Side effects of Repaglinide
The most important side effect to know about with Repaglinide is low blood sugar. Other common effects include:
- Low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, hunger)
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Headache
Treat early signs of low blood sugar with glucose or a sugary drink, and get urgent help if it causes confusion, fainting or fits. See a doctor promptly for yellowing of the skin or eyes or signs of an allergic reaction.
Precautions and warnings
- If you skip a meal, skip the dose that goes with it to avoid low blood sugar.
- Keep up regular blood sugar checks and carry a quick source of sugar with you.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
- Do not take it with gemfibrozil, and tell your doctor about all other medicines and alcohol use, as several can strengthen its effect.
- It is not used for type 1 diabetes and is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions about Repaglinide
What is the price of Repaglinide in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Repaglinide products currently in stock range from Rs 20 to Rs 2,332 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Novirep 1mg 1mg Tablet at Rs 20. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Repaglinide are available in Pakistan?
Repaglinide is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Novonorm (Novo Nordisk), Raptrol (Wilshire Laboratories Ltd), Repaglin (Raazee Therapeutics Ltd) and Novirep (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd).Do I need a prescription for Repaglinide?
Yes. Repaglinide is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Repaglinide be used during pregnancy?
It is not used for type 1 diabetes and is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Are all Repaglinide brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Repaglinide in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Repaglinide brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 9 products containing Repaglinide from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
