FDA Approves Novartis's Starlix

Starlix combats high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (the kind that does not require insulin shots). Insulin speeds the transfer of sugar from the bloodstream to the body's cells, where it's burned to produce energy.

In diabetes, the body either fails to make enough insulin, or proves unable to properly use what's available. Starlix attacks the problem from the production angle, stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin.

Starlix can be used alone or combined with another diabetes drug, such as Actos, Avandia, or Glucophage, that tackles the other part of the problem, working to improve the body's response to whatever insulin it makes. Starlix is prescribed only when diet and exercise--or aother diabetes drug alone--has failed to control blood sugar levels.

Starlix is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. Starlix helps your body respond better to insulin produced by your pancreas.

Starlix is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. Other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with if needed.

Starlix can be used alone or in combination with another diabetes drug, such as metformin, pioglitazone, or rosiglitazone, to lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed only when diet and exercise, or another diabetes drug alone, have failed to control blood sugar levels.

Starlix can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It causes the pancreas to produce more insulin and lower blood sugar levels after meals. The medication comes in tablet form, and can be taken up to half an hour before each meal. Side effects are possible, such as low blood sugar, flu-like symptoms, and dizziness.