Related to this topic: Patient+ | Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Acarbose

  • You will probably have to have regular blood tests to check your blood glucose levels.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach as this increases the risk of hypoglycaemia.
  • Avoid drinking or eating too many sugary items as this increases the risk of hyperglycaemia.
  • Important: If you notice yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes contact your doctor immediately.

About acarbose

Type of medicine Antidiabetic
Used for Diabetes mellitus
Also called Glucobay
Available as Tablets

Acarbose works by slowing down the digestion and absorption of sugars and starches from the gut.

Before taking acarbose

Before taking acarbose make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are under 18 years of age.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have a hernia.
  • If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.
  • If you suffer from any sort of stomach problems.
  • If you have ever had surgery to your abdomen.

How to take acarbose

  • Tablets should be taken at meal times- they should be chewed with your first mouthful of food, or swallowed whole with a little liquid directly before your meal.
  • Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor.
  • Your doctor may increase your dose after about six to eight weeks.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep any regular appointments with your doctor or diabetic nurse.
  • You will probably have to have regular blood tests to check your blood glucose levels.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet- include starchy foods at every meal, include more vegetables and fruit in your diet, cut down on salt.
  • Eat regular meals- try not to skip any.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach as this increases the risk of hypoglycaemia.
  • Hypoglycaemia is when blood glucose levels become too low. Symptoms include an anxious feeling, cold sweats, confusion, headache, feeling or being sick, nervousness, palpitations (being aware of your heartbeat), shaking, unusual tiredness or weakness or visual problems
  • Acarbose may add to hypoglycaemia caused by insulin or other antidiabetic medication. If this happens, you should take glucose not sucrose.
  • Avoid drinking or eating too many sugary items as this increases the risk of hyperglycaemia.
  • Hyperglycaemia is when blood glucose levels become too high. Symptoms include drowsiness, flushed face, fruity smell on breath, increased need to pass water, loss of appetite or unusual thirst.

Can acarbose cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Flatulence, rumbling sounds in the stomach, and a feeling of fullness Normally, these symptoms will disappear if you continue treatment and keep to your prescribed diet.
Note that indigestion remedies will not help with these side-effects.
Abdominal pain, softer stools and diarrhoea Normally, these symptoms will disappear if you continue treatment and keep to your prescribed diet.
Try to avoid sugar or sucrose-containing foods.
If you have diarrhoea, drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.

Other side effects include feeling sick, redness of the skin and skin rash.
Important: If you notice yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes contact your doctor immediately.

How to store acarbose

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3474		 DocRef:
dils2698		 Last Updated:
10 Oct 2007		 Date of Next Review:
9 Oct 2009		 Version:
22








Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site



Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page