ACARBOSEProduct code SKU16150

Brand Name(s) : Glucobay

ACARBOSE USES

What is it used for?

    Acarbose is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes)
    It is a type of glucosidase inhibitor.
    It is used to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates (sugars), which reduces the abnormally high blood sugar levels that occur after a meal. This smoothes out the blood sugar levels over the day.
    In general this drug is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes who cannot control their blood sugar by diet alone or by diet plus other anti-diabetic tablets.
    Benefits of being on this drug can include reductions in blood sugar levels after a meal and longer-term measures of blood sugar levels, such as HbA1c.

Listed below are the typical uses of acarbose:

    Treatment of type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes) in people who cannot control their blood sugar levels with a restricted diet of a diet plus other anti-diabetic tablets.

On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list. Such conditions are listed below.

    None known

HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

    Take acarbose exactly as your doctor has told you. Take acarbose with a meal and chew the tablet(s) with the first mouthful of food. If you prefer to swallow tablets, swallow them whole with some water immediately before you begin to eat.
    Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
    Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told not to by your doctor.
    Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

What dose?

    Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.

Do I need to avoid anything?

    Do not use antacids to relieve the side effects in the stomach associated with the use of acarbose. If an episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) occurs during treatment with acarbose, use glucose not sucrose to correct blood sugar levels as acarbose will delay the effect of sucrose. Acarbose will not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When can I stop?

    Always complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor.

Details

ACARBOSE INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur: Drugs called intestinal absorbents, such as charcoal Drugs that contain digestive enzymes that help digestion, such as amylase and lipase A drug used to treat bacterial infections (antibiotic) called neomycin A drug used to treat heart problems called digoxin If you are currently using any such medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting acarbose. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use. This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using acarbose, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

ACARBOSE SIDE EFFECTS

Wind (flatulence) is very common

    Diarrhoea is common
    Stomach pain is common
    Feeling or being sick is uncommon
    Indigestion is uncommon
    Temporary increase in liver enzymes measured by a blood test in uncommon

If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

    None known

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the UK you may report side-effects to the MHRA

ACARBOSE OVERDOSE

Taking too much acarbose with a meal may cause the following: bloating of the stomach due to wind (flatulence), wind and diarrhoea. Taking too much acarbose without a meal will probably not produce symptoms.

People who have taken too much acarbose, should get medical help immediately. Do not eat or drink anything containing carbohydrate (sugar).

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally taken more than the recommended dose of acarbose or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.


MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

ACARBOSE PRECAUTIONS

Before taking acarbose, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other glucosidase inhibitors; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist in case of:

    Allergy (hypersensitivity) to acarbose or any other ingredient
    Pregnancy
    breastfeeding
    Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
    Ulcers in the colon, which is part of the intestines
    A partial blockage of the intestines or a tendency to get blockages
    Long-term intestinal diseases that effect digestion
    Disorders that may get worse if a lot of gas (wind) forms in the stomach, such as larger hernias
    Liver problems
    Severe kidney problems

Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following :

    Kidney problems

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

    Alcohol dose not affect this drug.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below


PREGNANCY

Acarbose is not safe to take if you are, or are planning to become, pregnant.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.


BREAST FEEDING

Acarbose is not safe to take if you are breastfeeding.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.


ACARBOSE WARNINGS

Acarbose should be used with caution in:

    Kidney problems

It should not be used in:

    Allergy (hypersensitivity) to acarbose or any other ingredient
    Pregnancy
    breastfeeding
    Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
    People with ulcers in the colon, which is part of the intestines
    People with a partial blockage of the intestines or a tendency to get blockages
    Long-term intestinal diseases that effect digestion
    Patients with disorders that may get worse if a lot of gas (wind) forms in the stomach, such as larger hernias
    Liver problems
    Severe kidney problems
    Children under 18 years old

Also see list of precautions and interactions


STORAGE

Do not store acarbose tablets above 25°C. Store them in the original carton and keep in a dry place.