Drug Name

Precose (Acarbose)

Drug Uses

Precose is used for treating type 2 diabetes in adults whose diabetes cannot be managed with diet alone. Precose may be used alone, in combination with other oral diabetes medicines, or with insulin.

How to use

Use Precose as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Precose by mouth with food.

If you also take charcoal or digestive enzyme preparations, do not take them within 2 to 4 hours before after taking Precose . Check with your doctor if you have questions.

Temporary insulin therapy may be necessary during stressful periods (such as fever, trauma, infection, or surgery).

Drug Class and Mechanism

Precose is a glucosidase inhibitor. It works by slowing down the enzyme that turns carbohydrates into glucose; this decreases blood sugar levels following a meal.

Missed Dose

Acarbose is a glucosidase inhibitor. It works by slowing down the enzyme that turns carbohydrates into glucose; this decreases blood sugar levels following a meal.

Storage

Store Precose at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Precose out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Precose if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Precose;
• you have blockage of the stomach or intestine or are at risk for these problems;
• you have long-term (chronic) bowel inflammation, colon ulcers, or stomach or intestine problems that interfere with digestion or nutrient absorption;
• you have cirrhosis of the liver or unexplained abnormal liver function tests;
• you have diabetic ketoacidosis (high ketone levels) or severe kidney problems.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Precose . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have stomach or intestinal problems, liver problems, or kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Precose . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of their side effects, including bleeding, may be increased by Precose
• Calcium channel blockers (eg, verapamil), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), phenytoin, sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), or thyroid hormone because they may increase or decrease Precose 's effectiveness
• Insulin or sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Precose
• Digoxin because its effectiveness may be decreased by Precose

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• bloating; diarrhea; gas; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe stomach pain; yellowing of skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Precose , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Precose is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.