Starlix (nateglinide) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. This medicine helps your body respond better to insulin produced by your pancreas.
Starlix is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes.
Other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with Starlix if needed.
Important information
You should not use Starlix 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.
Starlix is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Starlix if you are allergic to nateglinide, or if you have:
To make sure Starlix is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
It is not known whether Starlix will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
Nateglinide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Starlix.
How should I take Starlix?
Take Starlix exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Starlix is usually taken 3 times daily, within 30 minutes before eating a meal. Follow your doctor"s instructions. If you skip a meal, do not take your dose of Starlix. Wait until your next meal.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor"s office.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.
Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your dose of Starlix or your dosing schedule without your doctor"s advice.
Starlix is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor"s instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Starlix dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:
120 mg orally three times daily before meals.
-or-
60 mg three times daily before meals (patients who are near goal HbA1c).
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but only if you are getting ready to eat a meal. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking Starlix?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.
Starlix 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:
Common Starlix side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Starlix?
Many other medicines that can increase or decrease the effects of Starlix on lowering your blood sugar. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
