• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?
ACARBOSE (AY car bose) helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

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What side effects may I notice from receiving 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. 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.

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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.

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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

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.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to the drug.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Cirrhosis.
• Inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, existing partial intestinal obstruction or predisposition to this condition.
• Chronic intestinal diseases associated with marked disorders of digestion or absorption.
• Co-existing conditions that may deteriorate as a result of increased intestinal gas formation.

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What should I watch for while using 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.

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What should I tell my health care provider 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

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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