Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be observed while taking Starlix as follows:
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not change the dose on starlix without consulting your physician.
- Discuss with your physician or nutritionist regarding your recommended diet plan and calorie intake limitations, if any. Observe compliance with any recommendations made, to help the blood sugar numbers fall in the target range. Grossly overeating or undereating in comparison to the recommended calorie intake can lead to poor blood sugar control and compromise the therapeutic benefit of starlix.
- Maintaining a log of dietary items consumed on each meal and snack can provide a decent input on the calories consumed and help with adjusting the calorie intake, as needed. This can also help develop an idea with regards to foods that help/harm your plan for blood sugar regulation.
- This medication can induce some nausea and vomiting, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose, which can result in toxicity and an episode of dangerous hypoglycemia. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
