Common uses

Starlix combats high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (the kind that does not require insulin shots). Insulin speeds the transfer of sugar from the bloodstream to the body's cells, where it's burned to produce energy. In diabetes, the body either fails to make enough insulin, or proves unable to properly use what's available. Starlix attacks the problem from the production angle, stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin.
Starlix can be used alone or combined with another diabetes drug, such as Actos, Avandia, or Glucophage, that tackles the other part of the problem, working to improve the body's response to whatever insulin it makes. Starlix is prescribed only when diet and exercise—or the other drug alone—has failed to control blood sugar levels.

Before using

Some medical conditions may interact with Starlix . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have adrenocortical, pituitary, liver, or kidney problems
• if you have a high fever or are malnourished
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Starlix . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Rifampin because it may decrease Starlix 's effectiveness
• Beta-adrenergic blockers (eg, metoprolol), gemfibrozil, imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because side effects, such as decreased blood sugar, may occur
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Starlix may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Directions

Use Starlix as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
• Take Starlix by mouth 1 to 30 minutes before meals.
• If you skip a meal, you must also skip your scheduled dose to avoid the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).
• Talk to your doctor or other health care provider about what to do if you miss a dose of Starlix .
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Starlix .

Cautions

You should periodically test your blood or urine for abnormal sugar (glucose) levels. Even people with well-controlled diabetes may find that injury, infection, surgery, or fever results in a temporary loss of blood sugar control. At such times, the doctor may recommend that you take insulin instead of Starlix.
The effectiveness of any antidiabetic drug, including Starlix, may decrease with time. This may occur because of either a diminished responsiveness to the medication or a worsening of the diabetes.
If you have liver disease, use Starlix with caution. Also, be aware that dialysis treatments may reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
The safety and effectiveness of Starlix in children have not been established.

Possible side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Starlix.
• More common side effects may include:
Back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, joint infection, upper respiratory infection
Starlix, like all oral diabetes drugs, can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This risk is increased by missed meals, alcohol, other diabetes medications, and excessive exercise. Hypoglycemia is more likely in older or malnourished people and those with poorly functioning adrenal or pituitary glands. To avoid low blood sugar, take Starlix only at meals and closely follow the dietary and exercise regimen suggested by your doctor.
• Symptoms of mild low blood sugar may include:
Blurred vision, cold sweats, dizziness, fast heartbeat, fatigue, headache, hunger, light-headedness, nausea, nervousness
• Symptoms of more severe low blood sugar may include:
Coma, disorientation, pale skin, seizures, shallow breathing
Mild hypoglycemia can usually be corrected by eating sugar or a sugar-based product. If symptoms of severe low blood sugar develop, contact your doctor immediately. Severe hypoglycemia should be considered a medical emergency, and prompt medical attention is essential.
If you take too much
Symptoms of overdose may include changes in vision; headache; increased hunger; loss of consciousness; nervousness; seizures; shakiness; sweating; tiredness.

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 usingthis medicine for an extended period of time, obtain more insulin before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

If Starlix is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Starlix with the following:

Airway-opening drugs such as Alupent and Proventil
Aspirin
Beta blockers such as the blood pressure medications Inderal and Tenormin
Corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone)
Decongestants such as Sudafed
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn
Salicylates such as the arthritis drugs Disalcid and Trilisate
Thiazide diuretics such as the water pills Esidrix and HydroDIURIL
Thyroid medications such as Synthroid
Be careful about drinking alcohol, since excessive alcohol consumption can cause low blood sugar. Also be careful when having a liquid meal; it could reduce the effectiveness of the drug.