Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of Nateglinide use as follows:
GI disturbance
- Patients taking nateglinide can sometimes present with symptoms of stomach upset and gastrointestinal disturbances, such as, nausea and vomiting.
- Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid/reduce these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
Increased appetite and weight gain
- Hypoglycemia with severely low blood sugar levels due to nateglinide intake can strongly increase hunger and stimulate the appetite.
- Increased hunger and appetite stimulation with nateglinide can contribute to increased intake and consequent weight gain.
- Also, insulin is an anabolic hormone, contributing to built-up of muscle and fat in the body. Increased secretion of insulin with use of nateglinide can contribute to increased built-up of muscle and fat, thus contributing to the weight gain.
- Avoid skipping meals while taking nateglinide. Observing compliance with timely nutrition intake and recommended calorie consumption can help prevent development of hypoglycemic episodes. This can help prevent spurts of appetite stimulation and overeating. Consequently, it helps prevent/control weight gain.
Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Nateglinide use, by some unknown mechanisms, can contribute to cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Individuals can present with runny nose, sneezing, and dry cough, but these symptoms are usually self-limited.
- Report to your doctor for further recommendations in the event of these symptoms continuing unabated.
