Warnings


What may interact with Acarbose?

-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

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Acarbose?

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

What should I watch for while using Acarbose?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

A test called the A1C will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. An example is glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.

Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

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 ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

Where should 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.