Acarbose

Brand Name:Prandase

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Acarbose is used to treat type-2 diabetes. It works by preventing the breakdown of starch into sugar, thereby reducing blood glucose levels after eating. It may be used alone or in combination with other oral diabetes drugs.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not use this drug if you are allergic to it or to any of its ingredients. As well, do not take it unless you have type 2-diabetes. It is not an effective treatment for type-1 diabetes. Tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • a bowel obstruction
  • problems with your kidneys or liver
  • a large hernia

What about possible side effects?

Oral hypoglycemic drugs have been associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to treatment of diabetes with diet alone or diet plus insulin.

Tell your doctor of any and all side effects that you experience while taking this drug, including:

  • flatulence
  • bloating
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • cramps or other abdominal pain
  • jaundice

Acarbose could cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms while taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications) as they may interact with another drug, increasing or decreasing effectiveness and safety of either or both. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as he may want to adjust their dosage:
  • corticosteroids such as prednisone and cortisone (used to treat inflammatory disorders)
  • sympathomimetics (used to treat asthma)
  • diuretics
  • estrogens
  • oral contraceptives
  • phenytoin
  • chloestyramine
  • digoxin
  • digestive enzymes

Other information:

Regularly check your urine and blood sugar, especially after meals.

Children: Not recommended.

Seniors: There is an increased risk of adverse side effects. Reduced dose may be necessary.

Pregnant women: Safety not established. Your doctor may instead prescribe insulin as it will provide tighter control during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Women who are nursing: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know the impact this drug has on them personally.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Always talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. If you stop taking this medicine, you may not be able to control your blood glucose levels.

If you miss a dose: Skip the missed dose and take the next one with your next meal. Never take this drug between meals and never take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); direct light, always out of reach of children.

Alcohol: Alcohol increases blood sugar; if you drink, always drink in moderation.

Dietary precautions: Follow your doctor’s recommendations. In order to keep your blood glucose levels in control, you need to balance your medicine with the right amount of food and exercise. Always take acarbose with each main meal as directed by your doctor.