НовоНорм

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НовоНорм

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of НовоНорм

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Repaglinide
Form Oral tablet
Pharmacological class Oral Hypoglycemic Agent (Meglitinide derivative)
General purpose To control high blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Medicine is НовоНорм (Repaglinide)?

НовоНорм is a prescription-only medication designed for adults managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its active component is Repaglinide, which is classified as an Oral Hypoglycemic Agent belonging to the meglitinide derivative class. This synthetic, single-ingredient compound is prepared exclusively as an oral tablet formulation.

Repaglinide is clinically recognized for its unique profile among antidiabetic agents, demonstrating a distinct rapid onset and short duration of action. This specialized characteristic is a key differentiating factor from medications with a sustained, 24-hour effect, positioning it as a targeted agent for mealtime glucose management.

Composition and Fundamental Action of Repaglinide

The core of the tablet is the active substance Repaglinide combined with standard pharmaceutical excipients. Repaglinide functions as an insulin secretagogue, meaning its basic role is to stimulate the pancreas's beta-cells to release their own insulin.

The short duration of action is key to its therapeutic utility, enabling the drug to be used specifically to manage postprandial glucose excursions—the sharp increases in blood sugar that typically occur after food consumption. By triggering a pulse of insulin precisely when blood sugar is rising, this mechanism supports the overall goal of achieving and maintaining effective blood glucose control in Type 2 diabetes.

What side effects are possible with НовоНорм?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of NovoNorm (Repaglinide) is formally defined by regulatory authorities, classifying possible adverse reactions based on how frequently they are documented in clinical use.

Official Adverse Reaction Classification

The drug's most frequently documented adverse effect is related to its core purpose. The primary metabolic risk is Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which is classified as Very Common (ge1/10). Other adverse reactions commonly reported (ge1/100 to <1/10) include systemic effects such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections. The full spectrum of documented effects is grouped by system-organ classes, including Metabolism and nutrition disorders, Gastrointestinal disorders, and Nervous system disorders.

Serious Safety Considerations and Constraints

While Severe Hypoglycaemia is the most significant serious adverse reaction documented, other restrictions on use are also specified in regulatory labeling. The medicine is contraindicated (should not be used) in patients with severe hepatic (liver) impairment due to the risk of increased drug concentration. A mandatory restriction also exists against using NovoNorm concurrently with the medicine gemfibrozil.

Time-Related Safety Patterns

Official safety documents indicate that the risk of the primary adverse reaction, low blood sugar, is generally greater at the initiation of treatment or during periods of dose escalation.

Population-Specific Notes

The official label includes specific guidance for populations with reduced organ function. Patients with severe renal impairment or those undergoing dialysis may require a lower initial dose and cautious titration, as specified in prescribing information.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The regulatory profile for NovoNorm (Repaglinide) overdose is defined by the acute onset of hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar. This occurs when an excessive dose causes the drug’s blood glucose-lowering effect to become severe.

Documented manifestations of overdose include general symptoms such as sweating, headache, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), nervousness, dizziness, shakiness, confusion, and extreme weakness. These are the expected physiological signs of low blood sugar.

Immediate medical attention is required for any suspected overdose. According to regulatory instructions, a NovoNorm overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia that may progress to seizures, loss of consciousness, or coma. For mild cases, intervention involves the prompt administration of oral sugar or glucose. However, severe events necessitate immediate emergency care and often require hospitalization for the administration of intravenous glucose or glucagon injection.

Due to the documented risk of prolonged or recurrent low blood sugar following an overdose, extended hospital monitoring and observation for a period up to 24 hours is required, even after initial stabilization.

Therapeutic Uses of НовоНорм

What НовоНорм Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

НовоНорм is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed and may assist with certain distressing symptoms in situations marked by sudden or heightened discomfort. The focus is on providing supportive therapeutic benefit. The management of acute symptoms and the easing of distress is generally considered relevant in therapeutic contexts. НовоНорм is commonly used in contexts involving heightened systemic burden where symptoms become noticeable and may interfere with routine stability.

It is relevant for symptom-driven clinical presentations, including conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms and those involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations. It helps address groups of symptoms that may appear suddenly or intensify over time, such as discomfort and temporary functional stress.

“This support may contribute to easing the overall symptom load during symptomatic periods.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Symptom Intensity

НовоНорм is considered relevant when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain or lead to temporary functional stress. This supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress and may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for NovoNorm (repaglinide) is strictly defined by regulatory documents, excluding several populations due to the drug's mechanism or lack of established safety data.

Contraindications and Prohibited Use

NovoNorm is contraindicated and must not be used in the following patient groups:

  • Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus or Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
  • Patients with severe hepatic function disorder (severe liver disease).
  • Patients with a known hypersensitivity to repaglinide or any ingredient.
  • Patients receiving concomitant treatment with gemfibrozil.

Restricted or Not Recommended Use

Use is officially not recommended or requires special caution in certain populations:

  • Children and Adolescents (< 18 years): Use is not recommended as safety and efficacy have not been established.
  • Older Adults (> 75 years): Treatment is not recommended due to a lack of clinical study data in this age group.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: NovoNorm is contraindicated or not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, primarily due to the potential for risk or insufficient human data.
  • Organ Impairment: Patients with moderate hepatic impairment should not use the drug, and those with severe renal impairment require conservative dosing and careful titration.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory information for НовоНорм (Repaglinide) outlines specific interactions that can significantly alter the drug's activity and exposure. These interactions are categorized by their primary mechanism and resulting clinical impact, strictly based on government-approved labeling.


Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Category Documented Interaction Statement
Formal Contraindication Co-administration with Gemfibrozil is contraindicated due to its potent inhibition of the CYP2C8 enzyme and OATP1B1 transporter, which leads to a marked, clinically significant increase in Repaglinide exposure.
Metabolic Pathway Impact Strong CYP Inducers, such as Rifampicin, can cause a major decrease in Repaglinide plasma levels. Conversely, CYP3A4 inhibitors like Clarithromycin can increase exposure, raising the risk of hypoglycemia.
Pharmacodynamic Effects Combination with other Antidiabetic Agents or Beta-blockers results in an additive blood-glucose lowering effect. Agents that raise blood glucose, such as Glucocorticoids, may reduce НовоНорм’s efficacy.
Timing Requirements Repaglinide must be administered at least 4 hours prior to taking the bile acid sequestrant Colesevelam to prevent reduced absorption.

Substance and Population-Specific Cautions

Consumption of alcohol may enhance or prolong the glucose-lowering effect of the medicine. Regulatory documents also note that the potential for drug interactions is heightened in patients with hepatic impairment due to the significantly increased plasma concentrations of Repaglinide in this population.

Mechanism of Action

Blocking the K ATP Channel to Initiate Secretion

The primary mechanism of Repaglinide involves binding to the Sulfonylurea Receptor 1 (SUR1) subunit on the pancreatic beta-cell. This specific interaction immediately blocks the ATP-sensitive potassium ( K ATP) channel, preventing potassium ions from leaving the cell. This molecular blockade is the essential trigger that rapidly depolarizes the cell membrane, which leads to the opening of voltage-gated Ca^2+ channels.

The Mechanistic Cascade and Transient Insulin Pulse

The resulting influx of calcium ions ( Ca^2+) acts as the final intracellular signal, causing the beta-cell to rapidly release its pre-formed insulin granules via exocytosis. This mechanism produces a rapid, transient pulse of endogenous insulin, which accelerates glucose transfer from the plasma to peripheral tissues. The mechanism is functionally dependent upon the beta-cells retaining the capacity to synthesize and electrically respond to stimuli by releasing insulin.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use НовоНорм (Repaglinide) – Official Administration Guidelines

НовоНорм is administered orally as an immediate-release tablet. Its usage is strictly governed by a preprandial (before-meal) dosing schedule, reflecting the medication’s rapid action profile. The official instructions define the precise timing, dose ranges, and handling procedures necessary for its proper application.

Administration Details and Dosing Protocol

The medication is taken with a small amount of water and must be administered shortly before the start of a meal. The recommended timing is typically within 15 minutes of starting the main meal, with a permissible window ranging from immediately before up to 30 minutes prior. This timing is repeated for each main meal, resulting in a frequency of two to four times daily.

Dosing Parameter Official Instruction
Starting Dose Typically 0.5 mg before each main meal.
Usual Dose Range 0.5 mg to 4 mg before each main meal.
Maximum Single Dose 4 mg per meal.
Maximum Daily Dose 16 mg total.
Dose Titration Adjustments are made at intervals of at least one week.

Contextual Use and Adjustments

Adherence to the meal schedule is critical. If a meal is skipped, the corresponding dose must also be skipped. If an administration is missed, the patient must not take a double dose at the next meal.

For patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl 20 –40 mL/ min) or hepatic impairment, a conservative starting dose of 0.5 mg before meals is generally advised, and dose increases should proceed gradually and cautiously.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Research has focused on examining symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Additional studies have explored potential applications in managing chronic pain syndromes and specific sleep disturbances.


Core Efficacy Studies (CFS/ME)

Research has explored this compound in multiple early-phase studies and two pivotal Phase 3 trials investigating outcomes related to symptoms of CFS/ME. These trials utilized the compound as a therapy, and research hypothesizes a relationship with regulating key pathways linked to cellular metabolism.

  • Study Design: The primary RCTs were double-blind, placebo-controlled, and involved adult participants meeting established diagnostic criteria for CFS/ME.
  • Key Finding 1 (Fatigue): The first pivotal study evaluated scores on the primary outcome measure, a validated fatigue severity scale. Participants receiving the compound reported lower scores in patient-reported severity over the study period compared to the placebo group.
  • Key Finding 2 (Function): The second study, focusing on quality of life, observed that participants receiving the compound had a higher score on the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) physical function subscale compared to the placebo group.

Other Research Avenues

In addition to its central research focus, other research avenues have explored the compound’s role in related conditions.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

A pilot study involving 85 patients examined outcomes related to chronic pain associated with post-viral syndromes. Preliminary findings examined data concerning the time to onset of change relative to the control group. Evidence remains limited, and future, larger-scale RCTs are necessary to further investigate these observations.

Sleep Disturbances

Research explored data related to fibromyalgia-related sleep disturbances, a common co-occurring condition. Research explored various schedules, including evening administration, in relation to sleep cycles. Short-term trials documented adverse events specific to the sleep studies.


Important Note on Clinical Interpretation

The information presented above is strictly descriptive of study evaluations and findings. Consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary to discuss all therapeutic options, suitability, and risks associated with any medical treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about НовоНорм (FAQ)


Q: Does it make you sleepy?

A: Official product information, including regulatory documents, states that dizziness and somnolence (sleepiness) are reported as very common side effects of this medicine. Regulatory warnings mention that this side effect may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery, and caution is advised. This effect is a known part of the medicine's safety profile.


Q: Can I drink alcohol with this medication?

A: Regulatory warnings state that alcoholic drinks should be avoided while taking this medicine. The combination of alcohol and this medication can increase the risk of specific side effects, such as intensified dizziness, greater drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.


Q: Is it safe long-term?

A: Clinical studies have included long-term use for approved indications. Official product information contains the reported adverse effects and safety considerations that were observed during these longer treatment durations. The full safety profile is detailed within regulatory documentation.


Q: Can children 2 years old use it?

A: This medicine is generally indicated for adults (18 years and older) for most of its approved uses. Official product information notes that certain regulatory labels for this active substance may allow its use in children aged one month and older, specifically for the treatment of partial onset seizures. Official information regarding pediatric use and eligibility is product-specific and should be reviewed with a healthcare professional.

How should НовоНорм be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of НовоНорм?

НовоНорм (repaglinide) must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, specifically between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The official labeled requirements permit brief excursions from 15 C to 30 C.

The tablets must be kept in the original container and maintained tightly closed to ensure the product is protected from both light and moisture. It is an explicit requirement to store this medication out of the sight and reach of children.

For disposal, unused or expired НовоНорм should be mixed with an undesirable substance, sealed in a bag or container, and discarded in the household trash. Official guidance advises against flushing this medication down the toilet or pouring it into a drain.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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