Acarbose
Acarbose
What is Acarbose?
Acarbose (Precose) is a prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates, helping reduce blood sugar spikes after meals when used alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
Side Effects
- Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Warnings
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or any problems with your bowels.
- You may need to keep glucose tablets or gel with you in case your blood sugar level becomes too low. Table sugar may not work as well, because acarbose keeps your body from absorbing regular sugar quickly.
Prescription savings · · ·
- Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or any problems with your bowels.
- You may need to keep glucose tablets or gel with you in case your blood sugar level becomes too low. Table sugar may not work as well, because acarbose keeps your body from absorbing regular sugar quickly.
Acarbose Coupons & Prices
Acarbose
What is Acarbose ?
Acarbose (Precose) is a prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates, helping reduce blood sugar spikes after meals when used alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
Acarbose (Precose) is a prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications known as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which work by slowing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine. By delaying the breakdown of starches and sugars, acarbose helps reduce the rise in blood sugar that normally occurs after eating.
Unlike many other diabetes medications, acarbose works primarily within the digestive tract and does not increase insulin production. Instead, it slows the conversion of complex carbohydrates into glucose, resulting in lower post-meal (postprandial) blood sugar levels. It is commonly prescribed alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sometimes other diabetes medications to help patients achieve better overall glucose control. Because acarbose does not stimulate insulin release, it generally has a low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone.
Acarbose is typically taken three times daily with the first bite of each main meal. Taking the medication at the beginning of a meal is important for it to work effectively. Your healthcare provider may gradually increase your dose to minimize gastrointestinal side effects while monitoring your blood sugar levels and A1C to assess your response to treatment.
Common side effects include gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and stomach pain, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. These effects often improve as the body adjusts to the medication. If hypoglycemia occurs while taking acarbose in combination with insulin or certain other diabetes medications, it should be treated with glucose (dextrose) rather than table sugar (sucrose), since acarbose slows the breakdown of sucrose.
Whether you're starting treatment for type 2 diabetes or refilling your prescription, Rx.com makes it easy to compare Acarbose pharmacy prices, find prescription savings, and use the free Rx.com Prescription Discount Card to help lower your medication costs. If you need a new prescription or diabetes follow-up, you can also connect with a licensed healthcare provider online to determine whether acarbose is the right treatment for your diabetes management plan.
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Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.