Drug Name

Starlix (Nateglinide)

Drug Uses

Starlix is used to control blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. It may be used with diet as well as exercise when diet as well as exercise alone are not successful in controlling blood glucose. It as well as may be used with metformin, another drug that is used for controlling blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. Starlix is not recommended incase blood glucose levels possess not been controlled by a sulfonylurea since starlix as well as sulfonylureas possess a similar mechanism of action. Therefore, incase sulfonylureas are ineffective, it is likely that starlix as well as will be ineffective.

How Taken

Starlix may be prescribed at 60 or 120 mg three times daily. The dose is adjusted depending upon blood glucose as well as HbA1c levels. Starlix should be used 30 minutes or less before a meal but should not be used incase a meal is skipped.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Starlix is an oral drug used to lower blood sugar (glucose) levels in type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of drugs called meglitinides which as well as includes repaglinide (Prandin). Approximately 90% of patients with diabetes possess type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults as well as is associated with obesity as well as a powerful family history of diabetes. Insulin is an substantial hormone that controls the blood level of glucose. Type 2 diabetics possess an inability to control blood glucose levels. This is caused by reduced secretion of insulin from the pancreas after meals as well as resistance of the body's cells to the effect of insulin which is to stimulate the cells to remove glucose from the blood. This leads to high levels of blood glucose. Starlix stimulates cells in the pancreas to produce insulin in a manner similar to the class of drugs called sulfonylureas, e.g., glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase as well as Micronase) which as well as are used in type 2 diabetes. But, starlix appears to possess a faster onset as well as a shorter duration of action than sulfonylureas. The benefit of this faster, shorter effect may be to halt the rapid, transient rise in blood glucose that occurs in diabetics immediately following a meal.

Missed Dose

Since this drug is generally given only before meals, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding advice on a missed dose.

Storage

Starlix should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C(59-86°F) in an air-tight container.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not halt using this medicine without earliest checking with your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Follow the dietary plan provided by your doctor. This medicine may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include an increased heart rate, headache, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, or tiredness. Discuss with your doctor how to handle hypoglycemic reactions. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Before you possess any health examination or dental treatements, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Before you begin using any recent medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine is not recommendedfor take during pregnancy. Insulin therapy may be essential during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. It is unknown incase this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Likely Side Effects

Side effects that may occur while using this medicine include dizziness, increased heartbeat, headache, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, or tiredness. Incase they are very bad or continue to occur, check with your doctor. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate health examination attention incase it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Incase you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

More Information

Proper diet, normal exercise, as well as normal testing of blood sugar are substantial for best results when using this medicine. Confident conditions such as illness, stress, or emotional disturbances may change your insulin requirements. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor's directions. Incase your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be as well as you are using this medicine according to directions, check with your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not take this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this product, as well as syringes as well as needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after take. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container as well as properly disposing of the container when filled. Incase usingthis medicine for an extended period of time, obtain more insulin before your supply runs out.