Common use

Starlix (nateglinide) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. Starlix helps your body respond better to insulin produced by your pancreas.

Starlix is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. Other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with nateglinide if needed.



Dosage and direction

Take this medication by mouth 1-30 minutes before each main meal, usually 3 times daily, or as directed by your doctor. Take this drug no earlier than 30 minutes before the meal. Do not take a dose of medication if you are skipping that meal.

If you are having liquid meals, a higher dose of this medication may be necessary to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor for more details.



Precautions

Do not skip meals. If you are exercising much more than usual you may need extra snacks to avoid side effects caused by low blood sugar. Alcohol can increase possible side effects of nateglinide. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking nateglinide. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, gout.



Contraindications

Do not use Starlix if you are allergic to nateglinide, if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress. Symptoms include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Carry hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Other sugar sources include orange juice and milk. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.



Possible side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Starlix: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect while taking Starlix, such as:

seizure (convulsions); or

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious Starlix side effects may include:

runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, cold or flu symptoms;

diarrhea, nausea;

back pain;

dizziness; or

joint pain or stiffness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.



Drug interaction

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Examples include corticosteroids (such as prednisone), psychiatric medicines (such as olanzapine), fluoroquinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin), among others.



Missed dose

If you miss a dose, skip that dose and resume your regular dosage schedule with your next meal. Do not double the dose to catch up.



Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. You may have symptoms of severe hypoglycemia such as extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).



Storage

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. The specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.