Precose is an oral tablet made up of an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor called acarbose. This drug is also known internationally as Glucobay and can be purchased as the brand choice in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg!

Precose is used in combination with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes/high blood sugar. Alternatively, it may be used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medication you take by mouth. Diabetes type 2 affects the way the body utilizes sugar. Insulin is created in the pancreas to move the sugar out of the blood so it can be stored for energy when the blood sugar increases. People with type 2 diabetes either cannot produce enough insulin to keep the sugar level balanced or does not know how to use the insulin correctly. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to heart damage, kidney damage, eye damage leading to blindness, and stroke.

Precose (acarbose) is effective at treating high blood sugar levels because it is able to lessen the amount of carbohydrates absorbed from foods you eat and slows down the breakdown so there the blood sugar levels do not raise much after eating.

Follow only the directions given to you by your doctor. Do not take more or less of a dose than directed. For the full benefit of the medication, ensure you take it regularly and create a routine by taking it around the same time every day. Your dose will be based off your medical condition and response to the initial treatment; you may need to start on a low dose and gradually work to a higher dose if needed.

This medication should be taken with the first bit of a full meal, 3 times a day.

Do not use Precose (acarbose)

This product should not be used by anyone who is allergic to acarbose, or if you have inflammatory bowel disease, a blockage in your intestines, a digestive disorder affecting the intestines, intestinal ulcer of the colon, cirrhosis of the liver, or diabetic ketoacidosis.

This product is not approved for those under the age of 18.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a bowel or intestinal disorder, or a stomach disorder.

Risks

 This medication is not expected to harm an unborn baby however it is still suggested you tell your doctor if you become pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing infant. Speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits before breast feeding while on Precose.

If at any point you have a case of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), contact your doctor right away (see side effects for signs of severely low blood sugar).

Common side effects of Precose (acarbose) may include:

stomach discomfort, gas, bloating; mild diarrhea; or mild skin rash or itching.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Precose (acarbose) may include:

severe constipation; severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody; or easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

severe hypoglycemia: headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky.

What should I avoid while using this medication?

When taking Precose, you should avoid taking digestive enzymes such as pancreatin, amylase, or lipase. These types of drugs will make it harder for your body to absorb this medicine.

What is the average dose for an adult with diabetes?

the average dose for an adult with diabetes is 25mg taken 3 times a day at the start of each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

What other drugs may interact with Precose?

Drugs that may interact with Precose include isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis), niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo Niacin, and others), nicotine patches or gum, birth control pills and other hormones, a diuretic or "water pill", heart or blood pressure medicine.

This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with acarbose (Precose). Consult your doctor to learn more about which drugs interact with acarbose.

Can I drink alcohol while using this medication?

No. It is recommended you do not drink alcohol throughout the duration of treatment because it may lower your blood sugar further.