Acarbose Tablets

What is this medication?

ACARBOSE (AY car bose) treats type 2 diabetes. It works by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates from the food you eat. This helps reduce 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): Precose

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 (DKA)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Stomach or intestine problems, such as bowel blockage
• An unusual or allergic reaction to acarbose, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Take it at the start of a main meal. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

If you develop severe vomiting or severe diarrhea that prevents you from eating meals, call your care team for advice.

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 forgot your dose at the start of your meal and you are still eating that meal, take your dose while you are still eating. Otherwise, skip the missed dose. This medication is not effective if not taken during a meal. Wait for your next dose at your next main meal, and take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Charcoal
• Digoxin

Some medications may affect your blood sugar levels or hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your insulin dose or checking your blood sugar levels more often.

Medications that may affect your blood sugar levels include:

• Alcohol
• Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
• Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
• Certain medications for mental health conditions, such as fluoxetine or olanzapine
• Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• Other medications for diabetes
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
• Testosterone
• Thyroid hormones

Medications that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, 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.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months.

Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.

Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.

It is important to follow the prescribed diet while taking this medication. This may help reduce side effects such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas. If you are following the diet and you still have severe symptoms, contact your care team.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

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
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

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

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Stomach pain

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 below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep 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, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substances. 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.