Drug Title

Starlix (Nateglinide)

Drug Uses

Starlix is an antidiabetic agent that is combined with diet and exercise and is prescribed for the treatment of type II diabetes.

How it is taken

Starlix can be taken by mouth about 30 minutes before a meal.

Do not take a dose for a meal, if you skipped it. This may cause low blood sugar. Do not stop without consulting your doctor.

The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Starlix is an antidiabetic agent that triggers the releases of insulin from the beta cells of the pancreas.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Starlix then skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have adrenocortical, pituitary, liver, or kidney problems, if you have a high fever or are malnourished.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have Type 1 diabetes or if you have diabetic ketoacidosis.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Starlix and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Starlix is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Starlix and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Beta-adrenergic blockers (eg, metoprolol), gemfibrozil, imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because these drugs enhance the chances of causing low blood sugar.

Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), rifampin, sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), thiazides (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because they reduce the effectiveness of Starlix.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are changes in vision, dizziness, flu symptoms (fever, chills, sore throat), headache, increased heartbeat, increased hunger, joint pain, nervousness, sweating, tiredness, tremor, upper respiratory tract infection. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), fever, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.