Generic Starlix ® : Nateglinide
Nateglinide is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Starlix ®

Tablets
Chemical Name: NATEGLINIDE (neh-TEGG-lin-ide)

Common uses : This medicine is a blood glucose-lowering agent used alone or in combination with metformin to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus not adequately controlled with diet and exercise alone. This medicine may also be used in combination with medicines called thiazolidinediones such as rosiglitazone if control of blood sugar has not been achieved with the thiazolidinedione alone. This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using : Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking ACE inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), salicylates (e.g., aspirin), phenylbutazone, beta-blockers, diuretics, steroids, medicines for thyroid disease, fenugreek, or ginseng. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have history of acidosis or type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you have liver disease. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions : Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine must be taken 1 to 30 minutes before meals generally three times daily. If you skip a meal, you should skip your dose of this medicine to reduce your risk of developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Since this drug is generally given only before meals, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding advice on a missed dose.

Cautions : DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first 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 HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATEMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED for use during pregnancy. Insulin therapy may be necessary during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects : SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, increased heartbeat, headache, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, or tiredness. If they are severe or continue to occur, check with your doctor. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions : Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much : If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include headache, sweating, shakiness, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, tiredness, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Additional information : Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular testing of blood sugar are important for best results when using this medicine. Certain 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. If your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are taking this medicine according to directions, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when full. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain more insulin before your supply runs out.