Starlix

Common Name: nateglinide

How does Starlix work?

Nateglinide belongs to the group of medications known as oral hypoglycemics. Nateglinide is used to control blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes. It is used when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not been found to control blood glucose well enough on their own. It helps control blood sugar by increasing the amount of insulin released from the pancreas. It is used in combination with exercise and a healthy diet. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Starlix?

The usual dose of nateglinide is 120 mg before meals. It is usually taken immediately before each meal, but can be taken up to 30 minutes before each meal. For people who do not reach their target blood sugar levels on this dose, the dose may be increased to 180 mg before meals, or another diabetes medication, metformin, may be added to the treatment. When used in combination with metformin, the usual dose of nateglinide is 120 mg before meals. For some people, a dose of only 60 mg may be needed. If a meal is skipped, the dose associated with that meal should not be taken. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be used on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, check with your health professional. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Starlix come in?

Starlix® is available in strengths of 60 mg, 120 mg, and 180 mg. 60 mg: Each pink, round tablet, with "Starlix" on one side and "60" on the other side, contains nateglinide 60 mg. 120 mg: Each yellow, oval tablet, with "Starlix" on one side and "120" on the other side, contains nateglinide 120 mg. 180 mg: Each red, oval tablet, with "Starlix" on one side and "180" on the other side, contains nateglinide 180 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxpropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide (red or yellow), lactose (hydrous), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, and titanium dioxide.

What should I NOT take with Starlix?

This medication should not be used by anyone who: is allergic to nateglinide or any ingredients of the medication has type 1 diabetes has diabetic ketoacidosis

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Starlix?

Low blood sugar: This medication may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Certain people are more sensitive to this effect. This includes people who have exercised more strenuously than usual, have consumed alcohol, are using other diabetes medications, are seniors, are undernourished, or have other medical conditions that cause low blood sugar. In these situations, it is important that people monitor their blood sugar more closely.and watch for the symptoms of hypoglycemia (sweating, dizziness, shaking, weakness, hunger, palpitations, tiredness, nausea). Liver disease: If you have severe liver disease, talk to your doctor before using this medication. Pregnancy: This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are or may be pregnant. Breast-feeding: This medication should not be used by women who are nursing. Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children.