Starlix
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Starlix
Starlix is an oral hypoglycemic agent (anti diabetic medicine). It acts by lowering blood glucose levels; by causing insulin release from beta cells of the pancreas (beta cells of pancreas are responsible for insulin production and secretion).
Therapeutic Uses of Starlix
Starlix is used in treatment of type 2 diabetes, for lowering blood sugar level. It can be used alone or along with diet and exercise. It may also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Starlix
Take Starlix as per direction of your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions before you start taking it. Take Starlix orally 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals. If you skip a meal, you should also skip a dose of Starlix to avoid the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which may itself be serious problem. Consult your doctor or other health care provider about what to do if you miss a dose of Starlix or if you have any question about the use of Starlix.
If You Miss a Dose of Starlix
If you miss a dose of Starlix, you should skip the dose and keep taking it as usual. Do not take 2 doses of Starlix at a time.
How to Store Starlix
Starlix should be stored at room temperature, 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F) in an air-tight container, away from heat, moisture and light. Do not store it in your bathroom and keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Starlix
If you have any questions about Starlix, discuss with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Starlix should be used only by the diabetic patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse or the blood sugar level does not come to normal level, you should consult with your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Starlix
Do not take Starlix if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredient used in Starlix.
- If you are suffering from type-1 diabetes.
- If you have diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes).
Some medical conditions may interact with Starlix. Inform your doctor or other health care worker if you are suffering from any medical condition that may interact with Starlix, especially any of the medical conditions listed below:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or if you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you are suffering from very high fever or if you are malnourished.
- If you have allergy to any medicine, food or any other substance.
- If you have any adrenocortical problem; pituitary, liver, or kidney problem.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or any dietary supplements.
Some medicines may interact with Starlix. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any medicine (ask your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines which may interact with Starlix, if you have any doubt) that may interact with Starlix, especially any of the following medicines:
- Beta blockers like metoprolol; gemfibrozil, imidazole anti fungals like ketoconazole; monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, or salicylates like aspirin, because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased, especially if patient is diabetic.
- Corticosteroids (like prednisone), rifampin (anti tuberculosis drug), sympathomimetics (like pseudoephedrine), thiazides (like hydrochlorothiazide), or thyroid hormones (levothyroxine), because they may decrease effectiveness of Starlix.
Possible Adverse Effects of Starlix
- Common and mild side effects of Starlix are changes in vision, dizziness, drowsiness, flu like symptoms (manifested by fever, chills, sore throat etc.), headache, increased heartbeat (tachycardia), increased hunger, joint pain, nervousness; sweating; tiredness; tremor; upper respiratory tract infection etc. If any of the common and mild side effects become persistent or bothersome, you should consult your doctor.
- Get immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects of Starlix, like severe allergic reaction (manifestations of severe allergic reaction are rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); high fever, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) etc.