Brand Names: Precose

Generic Name: acarbose (Pronunciation: ah KAR bose)

• What is acarbose (Precose)?
• What are the possible side effects of acarbose (Precose)?
• What is the most important information I should know about acarbose (Precose)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acarbose (Precose)?
• How should I take acarbose (Precose)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Precose)?
• What happens if I overdose (Precose)?
• What should I avoid while taking acarbose (Precose)?
• What other drugs will affect acarbose (Precose)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is acarbose (Precose)?

Acarbose slows the digestion of carbohydrates in the body, which helps control blood sugar levels.

Acarbose is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Acarbose is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications you take by mouth.

Acarbose may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Acarbose 100 mg-COB

round, white, imprinted with LOGO, AR 100

Acarbose 100 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 251

Acarbose 25 mg-COB

round, white, imprinted with LOGO, AR

Acarbose 25 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 311

Acarbose 50 mg-COB

round, white, imprinted with LOGO, AR 50

Acarbose 50 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 737

Precose 100 mg

round, white, imprinted with PRECOSE 100

Precose 25 mg

round, white, imprinted with PRECOSE, 25

Precose 50 mg

round, white, imprinted with PRECOSE 50

What are the possible side effects of acarbose (Precose)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms:

• low fever;
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

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

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about acarbose (Precose)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acarbose, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). You also should not use acarbose if you have inflammatory bowel disease, an ulcer or blockage in your intestines, or cirrhosis of the liver.

Before taking acarbose, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or any type of stomach or intestinal disorder.

Take acarbose with the first bite of a main meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Do not change your dose or stop taking acarbose without first talking to your doctor.

If you take acarbose with insulin or other diabetes medications, your blood sugar could get too low. Take care to keep your blood sugar from getting too low, causing hypoglycemia. You may have hypoglycemia if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, or trouble concentrating.

Keep a supply of oral glucose (dextrose) with you in case you have low blood sugar. While you are taking acarbose, candy or table sugar (sucrose) may not work as well as dextrose in quickly raising your blood sugar. Also be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

Acarbose is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.