Starlix

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.

Why should Starlix not be prescribed?

If you have type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, you cannot use Starlix. The drug also cannot be used for diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, nausea, fatigue, pain below the breastbone, and fruity-smelling breath).

If you are already taking a drug that promotes insulin secretion, such as Micronase, you should not switch to Starlix or add it to your current drug. In addition, Starlix is not for you if you have been taking other antidiabetic drugs for a long time, or if Starlix gives you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Starlix

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.