NEW DRUG INTERACTION WARNING! Repaglinide (PRANDIN) For Diabetes And The Cholesterol Lowering Drug Gemfibrozil (LOPID)

The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) issued a public warning on May 21, 2003 not to use the combination of repaglinide (PRANDIN), a drug for lowering blood sugar in type-2 diabetics, and the cholesterol drug gemfibrozil (LOPID). EMEA serves a function within the European Union similar to that of the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S.

The basis for the EMEA warning was a recent publication in the March 2003 issue of the medical journal Diabetologia that found the use of these two drugs in combination can enhance the blood sugar lowering effects of repaglinide and can thereby result in severe blood sugar lowering (hypoglycemia). The Europeans have received five reports of serious hypoglycemia associated with the use of repaglinide and gemfibrozil.

At the present time the FDA-approved professional product labeling for neither repaglinide nor gemfibrozil contains information about this potential drug interaction.

The signs of low blood sugar are anxiety, blurred vision, cold sweats, cool, pale skin, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Other signs include drowsiness, increased hunger, headache, nausea, nervousness, nightmares and restless sleep. Rapid heartbeat, shakiness, slurred speech, unsteady walk, abnormal tiredness or weakness, and unusual weight gain are also seen.

What You Can Do

You should contact your physician if you are currently taking repaglinide and gemfibrozil together because of the possibility of severe hypoglycemia.