Starlix (Nateglinide)

Description

Starlix is an anti-diabetic medication that is used to treat patients with type two diabetes. It is mostly used in combination with other drugs.

It improves your body’s response to insulin which helps regulate the blood sugar levels in your system. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle including a wholesome diet and regular exercises in order to experience benefits of this drug.

Usage

Starlix should be taken orally, between 1 and 30 minutes before taking your main meals. It is usually prescribed to be taken thrice a day. The dosage will depend on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

This drug should not be taken if you plan on skipping a meal for any reason. A larger dosage of the drug maybe required if you are taking a liquid meal. However, this should be discussed with your doctor on a prior date.

The drug should be taken regularly in order to experience an improvement in your health condition. You should also check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis in order to be aware of how the drug is affecting your system.

Precautions

Patients suffering from type one diabetes should avoid taking Starlix.

It is important to avoid skipping meals, consuming alcohol or getting involved in lengthy and strenuous exercises, as they can lead to sudden decrease in blood sugar levels while taking this drug.

You should inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to Starlix or similar medication. Your medical history including kidney diseases, liver problem and gout should be informed to your doctor.

Since Starlix can cause dizziness due to low blood sugar levels, it is better to avoid driving and using heavy machinery.

Keep in mind to inform your surgeons before undergoing any procedure while taking this drug.

Pregnant women should only take Starlix if absolutely necessary. Most women are recommended to switch to insulin treatment during their pregnancy in order to be safe. There is no proper information about the drug transmitting to breast milk. However, it is safer to consult your doctor about it.

Side effects

You may experience sore throat, cough or a runny nose as a result of using this drug. These side effects should not bother you if they do not continue to persist for a long time. Weight gain may also be evident when you first start using Starlix.

Severe allergic reactions to the drug are not common. However, inform your doctor immediately if you experience in rashes, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing.

The most common side effects of the drug are those associated with low blood sugar levels. These include dizziness, sudden rise in heartbeat, sweating, tiredness, nausea, confusion, mood swings and irregular sleep. Glucose tablets can be taken in order to reduce these symptoms. If you do not have access to a prescribed medication for low blood sugar levels, you can eat or drink something that is high in sugar concentration.

Seizures and unconscious conditions are very rare, yet possible side effects of the drug.