Precose (Acarbose)

Acarbose tablet

What is this medicine?

ACARBOSE helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• ketoacidosis
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• stomach or bowel disease, or obstruction
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acarbose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Swallow the tablets at the start of a main meal. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

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

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine 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 medicine 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 medicine?

• charcoal
• digestive enzymes like amylase and pancreatin
• digoxin
• diuretics
• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• isoniazid
• medicines for colds or breathing difficulties like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine
• medicines for high blood pressure called beta-blockers and calcium channel-blockers
• nicotinic acid
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• phenytoin
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• thyroid hormones

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Learn how to check your blood sugar. Keep to your diet and exercise plan while you are taking this medicine.

Know the signs of low blood sugar and teach them to the people around you. In case of low blood sugar, keep a source of glucose with you.

It is important to follow a diabetic diet when taking this medicine. This may help decrease some of the side effects like diarrhea, bloating, and gas. If you are following the diet and you still have severe diarrhea or gas, contact your health care professional.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• dark urine
• loss of appetite
• unusually weak or tired
• weight loss
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

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

• bloated feeling
• diarrhea
• stomach gas, rumbling
• stomach pain, upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.