Drug Uses

Starlix is primarily used in lowering blood sugar levels in patients suffering from type II diabetes. Starlix is used along with a proper diet and exercises. You may use it for treating other condition if prescribed by your doctor.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Starlix 1 to 30 minutes before a meal. In case you skip a meal you should skip your Starlix dosage also.

Please drink a full glass of water with Starlix.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Starlix is categorized as an anti diabetic agent. Starlix functions by bringing down the blood glucose levels thereby causing insulin to be excreted from beta cells of the pancreas.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Starlix at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Overdose

An overdose of Starlix may have adverse effects that require immediate medical attention. Contact the nearest emergency poison control center immediately if you notice any side effects.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Starlix if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like
you are allergic to any ingredient in Starlix
you have type 1 diabetes
you have diabetic ketoacidosis.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like 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.

Starlix may interact if taken together with some medicines like ta-adrenergic blockers (eg, metoprolol), gemfibrozil, imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or salicylates (eg, aspirin) and increase the chances of blood sugar.

Starlix may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Starlix. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Starlix. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Starlix before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.
Starlix is not useful for treating type I diabetes. Being a diabetic patient, it is always advisable that you carry an ID card on person that mentions about your condition and Starlix usage.

For best results, it is important to bring about lifestyle changes and pair it with Starlix. A healthy diet and regular exercise can work wonders with the way you respond to treatment.

Your blood sugar must be monitored regularly and if you find the levels of blood sugar fluctuating despite the treatment with Starlix, then consult your doctor.

In some cases, it may lead to Low Blood Sugar. Symptoms like rapid heartbeats, vision changes, headaches, chills, or tremors, hunger are signs of your blood sugar plummeting low. If you notice any of these symptoms then quickly consume a source of sugar (table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non–diet soda) as this will help elevate your sugar levels quickly. Now seek medical attention.

Have your meals on time and you can easily avoid low blood sugar.

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Starlix to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Starlix as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.