Product Details: Starlix (Nateglinide)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

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.

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.

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. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience fever, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. 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.

Active Ingredients

Nateglinide