Starlix

Starlix (Nateglinide) is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a type of diabetes in which the insulin does not get sugar into the body cells, causing the drastic rise of blood sugar levels that cause complications like blindness, damage to arteries, or kidney disease.

Starlix works by stimulating the organ pancreas to produe more insulin, the hormone responsible for putting sugar into cells. Starilx can be taken alone, or together with other antidiabetic drugs, such as Metformin or Thiazolidinedione, to reduce excessively high blood sugar levels.

Note that doctors prescribe Starlix along with proper diet and regular exercise to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Starlix will work properly only if you stick to the prescribed diet plan and have exercise regularly.

Starlix is an oral medication, and it requires a prescription. 

Your doctor will consider the following before prescribing Starlix to you.

Allergies

You cannot use Starlix if you have allergies to it. If you had any unusual reaction to Starlix and other medicines such as Montelukast, tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - foods, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any.

Use on children

Do not give Starlix to children. The safety and efficacy of Starlix in children are not established.

Use on elderly

Starlix can be given to older adults. Nevertheless, Starlix must be used with caution in elderly caution since older patients are at risk for low blood sugar levels.

Pregnancy

You should not use Starlix if you are pregnant. Starlix is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it is known to cause harm to the unborn baby when taken by pregnant patients.

Breastfeeding

Do not nurse when taking Starlix because it may be expressed into breastmilk and harm the child.

Alcohol use

You must reduce or avoid alcohol intake when taking Starlix. Alcohol may cause drastic changes in blood sugar levels that can result in serious undesirable effects when you take Starlix.

Health conditions

Tell the doctor all your medical problems before using Starlix. The doctor needs to know if you have type 1 diabetes, heart disease, autonomic neuropathy, episodes of hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar) and liver disease before prescribing Starlix.

Drug interactions

Tell the doctor all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, before starting on Starlix. The doctor needs to know if you use any of the following medicines:

• Other medicines for diabetes or medicines that lower blood sugar levels
• Gatifloxacin
• Phenylpropanolamine
• Aspirin
• Acetohexamide
• Pseudoephedrine
• Albuterol
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Ephedrine
• Amiodarone
• Perphenazine
• Amlodipine
• Clarithromycin
• Probenecid
• Amprenavir
• Isoproterenol
• Aprepitant
• Aripiprazole
• Asenapine

Starlix is available in tablets that you take by mouth. Follow your doctor’s prescription in taking Starlix. Do not change dose of Starlix without doctor’s approval.

Starlix should be taken 30 minutes before a meal. It is usually taken three times a day, right before meals. Make sure to follow doctor’s instructions carefully. If you skipped a meal, do not take a dose of Starlix. Take Starlix again in the next meal.

When you are prescribed with Starlix, you need to check your blood sugar levels frequently. Check blood sugar levels more closely if you are travelling, stressed, have an illness, recovering from surgery, or during medical emergencies.

Aside from taking Starlix, make sure to follow the prescribed diet plan and fulfull daily exercise requirements. You also have to visit your doctor on a regular basis when taking Starlix.

Note that, if you have diabetes, low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia may occur. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include hunger, sweating, dizziness, confusion, irritability, and shakiness. To relieve hypoglycemia, consume sugary items such as crackers, soda (non-diet), table sugar, fruit juice, or raisins. In case you cannot eat, you have to use a glucagon injection. Always keep these items at your convenience and make sure your family knows how to help you.

If you missed a dose of Starlix, take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the original dosing schedule.

Do not take more Starlix capsules, which can result in an overdose. If this happens, call emergency medical services right away.

Keep Starlix at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Starlix works best at keeping blood sugar levels normally if you stick to prescribed diet plan and stick to prescribed exercise daily.

You must check blood sugar levels frequently, especially if you are sick, stressed, travelling or having surgery.

If you have hyperglycemia (too high blood sugar levels), or have an episode of hypoglycemia, call the doctor right away.

Make sure to keep up with doctor’s appointments and lab tests. 

Starlix may cause serious side effects. Call the doctor if you experienced any of the following:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Seizures or convulsions
• Jaundice

Starlix may cause these side effects that are minor:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing, cough or cold or flu symptoms
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Back pain
• Dizziness
• Joint pains or stiffness