ACARBOSE (Precose®) lowers blood sugar in patients with diabetes. It slows the entry of certain sugars from food in the intestine into the body. Because it acts to reduce the absorption of sugars or starches in food, it must be taken with meals. Treatment is combined with a balanced diet and exercise. Acarbose may be used with some other diabetic medications. Generic acarbose tablets are not yet available.

Special precautions

Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

• hiatal hernia

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• stomach or bowel disease, or obstruction
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acarbose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Side effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare:

• skin rash or itching

• unusual tiredness
• weight loss
• yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark or brown color to the urine, or loss of appetite

In combination with other diabetic medications, (like glyburide, glipizide, metformin or insulin), acarbose may cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Contact your health care professional if you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, which may include:

• anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, hunger, pale skin, nausea, fatigue, sweating, headache, palpitations, numbness of the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold sensations, uncontrolled yawning, irritability, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

These side effects with acarbose are usually minor but very common. They include:

• bloated feeling

• diarrhea
• stomach or intestinal gas or rumbling stomach
• stomach pain or discomfort

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.