Starlix (Nateglinide)

General information

Starlix belongs to the group of medications known as oral hypoglycemics or oral antidiabetic agents. It works by stimulating the body to produce more insulin. Starlix is used alone or with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Directions

Take Starlix exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is 120 mg, taken three times a day before meals. It is usually taken immediately before each meal, but may be taken up to 30 minutes before each meal. For people who are near their hemoglobin A1c goal, the dosage may be reduced to 60 mg, taken three times a day before meals.

Precautions

Before taking Starlix you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney problems, kidney failure, liver problems, liver failure, cirrhosis, adrenal insufficiency, adrenal fatigue, pituitary gland problems, any allergies. Limit alcohol. It can increase the risk of developing low blood sugar. This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness.

Contraindications

Do not take Starlix if you are allergic to nateglinide or to any of the ingredients of the medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetic ketoacidosis.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, fast heartbeat, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, hunger, rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, trouble breathing, sore throat, heartburn, runny or stuffy nose, convulsions, unconsciousness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: probenecid, beta-blockers (propranolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, atenolol), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid), sulfa drugs, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (celecoxib, etodolac, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin), isoniazid, diuretics (furosemide, torsemide, bumetanide), steroids (prednisone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone), phenothiazines, thyroid medicine (synthroid, thyroid, levothyroxine), birth control pills, seizure medicines (oxcarbazepine, topiramate, phenytoin, carbamazepine). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are very fast heartbeat, vision changes, unexplained heavy sweating, agitation, fainting, seizures.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.