Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for Nateglinide use as follows:
- Nateglinide should be avoided in individuals with history of serious allergic reactions to nateglinide use.
- Nateglinide helps blood sugar regulation by increasing the secretion of insulin from pancreas. This medication will help lower blood sugars only in people whose pancreas is producing insulin naturally. So, use of nateglinide poorly helps individuals having type I diabetes, with total failure of pancreas to secrete any insulin at all.
- Nateglinide is mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of this medication could suffer. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in toxicity and consequent side effects. Nateglinide could be avoided for a safer alternative in individuals with such health history. Individuals with history of compromised liver function must discuss with their physician regarding safety with nateglinide use. While using nateglinide, periodical labs for evaluation of liver function could be ordered in individuals with compromised liver function.
- Nateglinide and metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with renal disease cannot excrete this medication and metabolites normally. Nateglinide and metabolites can stay in circulation for longer time, resulting in toxicity and consequent side effects. Nateglinide could be avoided for a safer alternative in individuals with such health history. Individuals with history of compromised renal function must discuss with their physician regarding safety with nateglinide use. While using nateglinide, periodical labs for evaluation of renal function could be ordered in individuals with compromised kidney function.
- Nateglinide carries a small risk of inducing seizures in some individuals. Before taking nateglinide, individuals with history of seizure disorder must discuss with their physician regarding safety with intake of this medication.
