Starlix (Nateglinide) belongs to the group of medications known as oral hypoglycemics or oral antidiabetic agents. Starlix (Nateglinide) is used to control blood glucose for people with Type 2 Diabetes.

In combination with exercise and a healthy diet, Starlix (Nateglinide) works to control blood glucose by increasing the amount of insulin released from the pancreas. It is used when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not been found to control blood glucose well enough on their own. Starlix (Nateglinide) can be used on its own or in combination with another antidiabetic medication, Metformin.

Your doctor may have suggested Starlix (Nateglinide) for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of Starlix (Nateglinide) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Starlix (Nateglinide), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Starlix (Nateglinide) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Starlix (Nateglinide) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Starlix (Nateglinide) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual dose of Starlix (Nateglinide) is 120 mg, taken before meals. It is usually taken immediately before each meal, but may be taken up to 30 minutes before each meal. The dosage may be adjusted depending on your response to the medication and whether you reach your target blood sugar levels.

If a meal is skipped, the dose usually taken 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 important to use Starlix (Nateglinide) exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Starlix (Nateglinide) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Starlix (Nateglinide). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Starlix (Nateglinide) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Starlix (Nateglinide). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal or stomach pain
• back pain
• chills
• cough
• dizziness
• heartburn
• pain in the joints or muscles
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• swelling in the joints

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• symptoms of low blood glucose, including:

anxious feelings behaviour changes similar to being drunk blurred vision cold sweats confusion cool, pale skin difficulty thinking drowsiness excessive hunger

fast heartbeat headache nausea nervousness nightmares restless sleep shakiness slurred speech unusual tiredness or weakness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• convulsions (seizures)
• signs of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., difficulty breathing, Hives, swelling of the face or throat)
• unconsciousness

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Starlix (Nateglinide).

Do not take this mediction if you:

• are allergic to Starlix (Nateglinide) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• are pregnant
• have diabetic ketoacidosis
• have Type 1 Diabetes

There may be an interaction between Starlix (Nateglinide) and any of the following:

• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Nadolol, Propranolol, Timolol)
• corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
• monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., Tranylcypromine, Phenelzine)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS; e.g., Naproxen, Ibuprofen)
• other diabetes medications (e.g., Glyburide, metformin)
• salicylates (e.g., Asa)
• sympathomimetics (e.g., Epinephrine, Pseudoephedrine)
• thiazide diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Thyroid medications (e.g., Levothyroxine)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Starlix (Nateglinide). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.