What is Starlix?
Starlix is an oral diabetic medication designed to control blood sugar levels. This medication helps your body better respond to insulin produced by the pancreas.
Starlix can be used in conjunction with diet and exercise for adults with diabetes type 2 mellitus to improve blood glucose control. This medicine cannot be used to treat type 1 diabetes. Starlix can be used with other diabetes medications if necessary.
Warnings
Starlix should not be used if you have diabetic ketoacidosis. Consult your doctor to get treatment. Be careful not to allow your blood sugar to drop too low. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can happen if you miss a meal, over-exercise, drink alcohol, or are stressed. Headaches, weakness, sweating, and tremors are all symptoms of hypoglycemia. If you are concerned about low blood sugar, carry glucose tablets or hard candies with you. Orange juice and milk are also good sources of sugar. Be prepared and ensure you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency by making sure everyone knows how to react in such circumstances.
Starlix is part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes diet, weight management, and exercise. Be sure to follow your diet, medications, and exercise regimens closely. Any of these factors could affect your blood glucose levels.
Before you take this drug
Starlix should not be used if:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: Call your doctor to get treated.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Starlix will be safe for you:
- Liver disease
If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about Starlix. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking nateglinide. Starlix cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
Similar/related drugs
Metformin, Trulicity, Lantus, Victoza, Tresiba, and Levemir
How to take Starlix?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please adhere to all instructions listed on the prescription label when taking this medication, including adhering strictly to any recommended dosage or taking it beyond its duration. Do not exceed or extend its use. Starlix should be taken three times daily within 30 minutes of a meal. Do not take Starlix if you have skipped a meal. Instead, wait until the next meal.
If you have hypoglycemia, you may feel very hungry or dizzy. You might also be confused, anxious, confused, or shaky. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that quickly provides sugar (fruit juices, hard candy, crackers or raisins are great examples of foods which provide rapid release of glucose). If you suffer from severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe an injection kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection.
Watch for signs of hyperglycemia, such as increased thirst and urination. Stress, illness, surgery, and alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or dose schedule. Starlix may be part of a larger treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as blood sugar testing and other medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for diabetes type 2:
Initial dose: orally, 120 mg, 3 times per day.
Maintenance dose: 60–120 mg orally, 3 times per day before meals.
Comments:
If the hba1c is nearing goal when therapy begins, 60 mg should be given orally three times.
It can be used alone or in combination with thiazolidinediones or metformin.
Use: To improve glycemic management in adults with type 2 diabetes.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the missed dose immediately after you realize it, but only when you are about to eat. If your next scheduled dose is approaching quickly, disregard any missed ones and wait to take only one at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Low blood sugar can cause extreme weakness, blurred or distorted vision, sweating, and difficulty speaking. Other symptoms include tremors, confusion, nausea, stomach pains, tremors, and seizures.
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels and can interfere with diabetes treatment.
Side effects of Starlix
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat,
If you experience:
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Starlix may cause side effects such as:
- Cold or flu symptoms include a stuffy nose or runny nose;
- Diarrhea:
- Back pain
- Dizziness;
- Joint stiffness or pain.
There may be other side effects. For guidance regarding possible side effects, it is best to reach out directly to a physician. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Starlix can be affected by many other medications. Some medicines may increase or decrease their effects. You may also experience fewer hypoglycemia symptoms if you take certain drugs. This makes it more difficult to detect low blood sugar. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take. Include prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamin products.
