Nateglinide Tablets

What is this medication?

NATEGLINIDE (nuh TAY gli nide) treats type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing insulin levels in your body, which decreases your blood sugar (glucose). Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Starlix

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to nateglinide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Take this medication before meals. It should be taken no earlier than 30 minutes before meals. If a meal is skipped, skip the dose for that meal. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Many medications may cause changes in blood sugar, these include:

• Alcohol
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Chromium
• Diuretics
• Female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• Fenofibrate
• Gemfibrozil
• Isoniazid
• Lanreotide
• Male hormones or anabolic steroids
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Medications for weight loss
• Medications for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• Niacin
• Nicotine
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Octreotide
• Pasireotide
• Pentamidine
• Phenytoin
• Probenecid
• Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
• Some herbal dietary supplements
• Steroid medications such as prednisone or cortisone
• Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
• Thyroid hormones

Some medications can hide the warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You may need to monitor your blood sugar more closely if you are taking one of these medications. These include:

• Beta-blockers like metoprolol and propranolol
• Clonidine
• Guanethidine
• Reserpine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.

A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others 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.

Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medication. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medication.

Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medication and dosage times.

Do not breast-feed while taking this medication. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Joint pain
• Runny or stuffy nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.