Nateglinide

What does nateglinide do? NATEGLINIDE (Starlix(R)) is a medicine used to lower blood sugar in patients with Type II diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes). It is sometimes used with other medicines for diabetes. Generic nateglinide tablets are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I use nateglinide? They need to know if you have any of these conditions: pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding, diabetic ketoacidosis, liver disease, an unusual or allergic reaction to nateglinide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

How should I use this medicine? Take nateglinide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not chew the tablets. Nateglinide is taken in 3 doses, each one 1—30 minutes before meals. If a meal is missed, that dose of nateglinide should not be taken. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if the medicine makes you feel unwell. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take a dose as soon as you can with the next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses without advice.

What other medicines can interact with nateglinide? Certain medications may interfere with the way your body maintains its blood sugar. Such medications may include: Beta-blockers such as propranolol or nadolol, clofibrate, chromium, or multivitamins with trace elements, corticosteroids such as prednisone or cortisone, diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, estrogens, ethanol, isoniazid, antidepressant drugs such as phenelzine, niacin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, birth control pills, chlorpromazine and other drugs similar to chlorpromazine, herbal supplements such as black cohosh, ephedra, garlic, and horse chestnut, phenytoin, probenecid, rifabutin, rifampin, salicylates such as aspirin, sulfonamides, drugs used for weight loss, or decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, thyroid hormones.

Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using nateglinide? Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: dizziness, fast heart rate, low blood sugar, sweating, tremor.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): Nausea/vomiting, upset stomach.

What do I need to watch for while I use nateglinide? Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Learn how to monitor blood or urine sugar and urine ketones regularly. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your blood sugar is high, you may need a change of dose of nateglinide. Do not skip meals. If you are exercising much more than usual you may need extra snacks to avoid side effects caused by low blood sugar. Alcohol can increase possible side effects of nateglinide. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. If you have mild symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something containing sugar at once and contact your prescriber or health care professional. It is wise to check your blood sugar to confirm that it is low. It is important to recognize your own symptoms of low blood sugar so that you can treat them quickly. Make sure family members know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking nateglinide. Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

Where can I keep my medicine?  Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Avoid excessive exposure to heat above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.