Acarbose is an oral prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors which work by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates, helping control blood sugar levels. Acarbose should be taken with meals and can sometimes cause side effects such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Acarbose is currently available under the brand name Precose and comes in the oral dosage form of a tablet.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose work by slowing down your body’s digestion of carbohydrates (such as starches, sugars, and fibers), which helps to keep blood sugar levels in check.

When you eat food, your body breaks down the food into energy using insulin from the pancreas. Insulin uses sugar (glucose) as fuel to break down food. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t always produce enough insulin to fuel food breakdown with the glucose in your blood, which means there is an excess in sugar and your blood sugar rises.

Acarbose solves this issue and lowers your blood sugar by preventing the breakdown of starch into sugar when you eat food. By slowing down food digestion, acarbose can keep blood glucose from rising very high after meals.

The most common side effects of acarbose include abdominal or stomach pain, bloated feeling or passing of gas, and diarrhea.

It is critical to understand that using acarbose in combination with insulin can cause your blood sugar levels to become too low. If any of the following symptoms occur while on acarbose, your blood sugar may have dropped excessively, and you should use a glucose product such as Insta-Glucose and call your doctor immediately:

• Shakiness
  
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
  
• Sweating
  
• Nervousness or irritability
  
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
  
• Headache
  
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth
  
• Weakness
  
• Pale skin
  
• Abnormal hunger
  
• Clumsy or jerky movements
  

You should also call your doctor immediately if you experience extreme thirst or hunger, frequent urination, weakness, or blurred vision as these are signs of hypoglycemia (high blood sugar).

This is not a complete list of side effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience yellow eyes or skin while taking acarbose.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with acarbose.

Acarbose can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. These medications and substances include other diabetes medications, digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water pills'), estrogens, isoniazid, medications for high blood pressure or colds, oral contraceptives, pancreatic enzymes, phenytoin (Dilantin), steroids, thyroid medications, and vitamins.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication, as acarbose is not recommended during pregnancy.

Acarbose will vary depending on the age of the patient and their body weight. It is typically taken once a day. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of acarbose without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

Do not skip doses or stop taking the acarbose, and follow your doctor’s instructions closely. If you do miss a dose, skip it and go back to your normal dosing schedule at your next meal.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Acarbose is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not acarbose is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for acarbose to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.