Acarbose 50mg

Acarbose 50mg — Uses and Benefits

Acarbose 50mg is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, either alone or along with other diabetes medicines or insulin.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Controlling high blood sugar levels after meals in type 2 diabetes
• Used along with diet and exercise as part of diabetes management
• Sometimes used together with other oral diabetes medicines or insulin

HOW IT WORKS

• Blocks enzymes in the gut that break down starches and sugars into glucose
• Slows the absorption of carbohydrates from food
• This reduces the rise in blood sugar that happens after eating

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for type 1 diabetes
• Not a treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis
• Not used to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Not a substitute for diet control, exercise, or insulin when these are needed
• Not used for weight loss on its own

How to Use Acarbose 50mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with the first bite of each main meal
• Swallow the tablet whole or chew it with the first mouthful of food, as directed
• Do not skip meals after taking this medicine, as it works with food to control sugar spikes
• Continue taking it regularly for as long as your doctor advises
• Follow your prescribed diet and exercise plan along with this medicine

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• If you miss a dose and have already started eating, skip that dose and take the next one with your next meal
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you often forget doses, ask your doctor about ways to remember

STORAGE

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

Acarbose 50mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Flatulence (gas)
• Bloating or stomach discomfort
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Skin rash or itching
• Feeling of fullness

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
• Severe stomach pain with swelling
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Unusual weakness, dizziness, or fainting
• Severe diarrhoea with dehydration

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

Acarbose 50mg — 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 of its ingredients
• Have inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, or major digestive disorders
• Have severe liver disease
• Have severe kidney impairment (unless your doctor advises otherwise)
• Have a history of diabetic ketoacidosis

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of bowel or digestive problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are taking other diabetes medicines or insulin
• Are scheduled for surgery

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other oral diabetes medicines or insulin (risk of low blood sugar)
• Digestive enzyme preparations
• Certain diuretics and steroids that affect blood sugar
• Charcoal-based medicines and some digestive aids may reduce its effect

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can acarbose cause low blood sugar on its own?

By itself it rarely causes low blood sugar, but the risk increases when combined with insulin or other diabetes medicines.

Should I take it before or after food?

It is usually taken with the first bite of the meal, not before or long after, so it can work with the food you eat.

Can I stop taking it once my sugar is controlled?

• No, do not stop without talking to your doctor, as diabetes control needs continued treatment and monitoring.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.