Acarbose 25mg

Acarbose 25mg — Uses and Benefits

This medicine is used to treat high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, usually along with diet and exercise.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Controlling blood sugar spikes after meals in type 2 diabetes
• Used alone or along with other diabetes medicines like metformin, sulfonylureas or insulin, as advised by your doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• It blocks enzymes in the intestine that break down complex carbohydrates into sugar
• This slows down sugar absorption into the blood after eating
• As a result, after-meal blood sugar rise is reduced

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for type 1 diabetes
• Not used for diabetic ketoacidosis, an emergency condition
• Not a treatment for low blood sugar
• Not meant for quick or emergency lowering of blood sugar
• Not a substitute for diet control and exercise in diabetes management

How to Use Acarbose 25mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• Take with the first bite of each main meal, usually three times a day, as advised
• Swallow with a small amount of water; do not chew if instructed to swallow whole
• Do not skip meals after taking this medicine
• Continue diet and exercise advice given by your doctor along with this medicine

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• If you miss a dose with a meal, skip that dose and take the next dose with your next meal
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you are unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat, light and moisture
• Keep in original packaging until ready to use
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Acarbose 25mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Flatulence (gas)
• Bloating
• Stomach discomfort
• Diarrhoea
• Mild abdominal pain

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Feeling of fullness
• Change in appetite

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
• Severe stomach pain or swelling
• Signs of severe allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing
• Unusual tiredness with dark urine
• Signs of low blood sugar when combined with other diabetes medicines, such as sweating, shakiness, confusion

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Acarbose 25mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to acarbose or any ingredient in the formulation
• Have inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, or chronic digestive disorders
• Have severe liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of diabetic ketoacidosis

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any liver or kidney problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have any digestive or bowel disorders
• Are taking other medicines for diabetes
• Have had recent stomach or intestinal surgery

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other diabetes medicines like insulin or sulfonylureas, which can increase risk of low blood sugar
• Digestive enzyme preparations
• Certain antacids
• Cholestyramine and other cholesterol-lowering medicines
• Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine without food?

No, it should always be taken with the first bite of a main meal for it to work properly.

Will this medicine cause low blood sugar on its own?

Unlikely on its own, but risk increases if combined with other diabetes medicines like insulin or sulfonylureas.

Can I stop taking it once my sugar levels are normal?

• No, do not stop without consulting your doctor, as diabetes needs ongoing management.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.