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In this Article

• What is nateglinide (Starlix)?
• What are the possible side effects of nateglinide (Starlix)?
• What is the most important information I should know about nateglinide (Starlix)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking nateglinide (Starlix)?
• How should I take nateglinide (Starlix)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Starlix)?
• What happens if I overdose (Starlix)?
• What should I avoid while taking nateglinide (Starlix)?
• What other drugs will affect nateglinide (Starlix)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking nateglinide (Starlix)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to nateglinide, if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking nateglinide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have liver disease or gout. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether nateglinide passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take nateglinide without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take nateglinide (Starlix)?

Take nateglinide exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription.

Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Do not change your dose of nateglinide without first talking to your doctor.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Nateglinide is usually taken 3 times daily, within 30 minutes before eating a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions. If you skip a meal, do not take your dose of nateglinide. Wait until your next meal.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them. Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to check your blood sugar at home. Your blood will also need to be tested by your doctor on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Nateglinide is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

It is important to take nateglinide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store nateglinide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.