Nateglinide Side Effects

Common nateglinide side effects include back pain, low blood sugar, and upper respiratory infections. However, these side effects are usually minor and easily treated. Most people tolerate the medication without problems. But if you experience side effects of nateglinide such as fever, signs of an allergic reaction, or symptoms of high or low blood sugar, you should report them to your healthcare provider, as these may be potentially serious.

Nateglinide for Diabetes

An Introduction to Nateglinide Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with nateglinide (Starlix^®). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate nateglinide quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(The nateglinide side effects discussed below are not a complete list of reported side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)

Common Nateglinide Side Effects

Nateglinide has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects reported by a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common side effects of nateglinide include:

Upper respiratory infections (infections similar to a cold) -- occurring in up to 10.5 percent of people
Back pain -- in up to 4 percent
Flu symptoms (body aches, tiredness, fever) -- in up to 3.6 percent
Dizziness -- in up to 3.6 percent
Joint problems (arthropathy) -- in up to 3.3 percent
Accidental injury -- in up to 2.9 percent
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) -- in up to 2.4 percent (see Starlix and Blood Sugar).

Nateglinide can also increase uric acid levels. This condition (known medically as hyperuricemia) may increase the risk of gout or make it worse.

(Nateglinide Side Effects Continued: Page 2)