This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Precose Consumer Information
PRECOSE
Generic Name: acarbose (a KAR bose)
Brand Names: Precose
What is the most important information I should know about acarbose?
- Take each dose of acarbose with the first bite of a meal.
- Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which include shaking; headache; sweating; pale, cool skin; fast heartbeats; drowsiness; dizziness; weakness; hunger; confusion; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; or difficulty concentrating. Carry a piece of non-dietetic, sugary hard candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
What is acarbose?
- Acarbose delays the digestion of carbohydrates (forms of sugar) in the body. This decreases the amount of sugar that passes into the blood after a meal and prevents periods of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
- Acarbose is used to treat non-insulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes mellitus.
- Acarbose may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acarbose?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, or any other disease of the intestines;
- ulcers of the colon;
- a blockage or obstruction in the intestines;
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease.
- You may not be able to take acarbose, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Contact your doctor if you develop a fever or an infection, require surgery, or if you experience a serious injury. Illness or injury may cause a loss of blood sugar control and insulin (or an adjustment of a current insulin dose) may be required for a period of time.
- Acarbose is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take acarbose without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Acarbose passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take acarbose without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take acarbose?
- Take acarbose exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
- Take each dose with the first bite of a meal.
- It is important to take acarbose regularly to get the most benefit.
- Your doctor recommend regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with blood or urine tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with acarbose to monitor progress and side effects.
- Contact your doctor if you develop a fever or an infection, require surgery, or if you experience a serious injury. Illness or injury may cause a loss of blood sugar control and insulin (or an adjustment of a current insulin dose) may be required for a period of time.
- Store acarbose at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- For maximum effectiveness, acarbose should be taken with the first bite of a meal. A missed dose taken within 15 minutes of the first bite of a meal will still be effective and should be taken as soon as remembered. If more than 15 minutes have passed since the first bite of the meal, a missed dose of acarbose may still be taken, although the effectiveness of the medication will be reduced. If a missed dose is not remembered until the next meal, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. Symptoms of an overdose are unknown, but stomach pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea might be expected.
What should I avoid while taking acarbose?
- Follow your doctor's diet and exercise recommendations to help control blood sugar levels.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may affect blood sugar levels.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.