Acarbose is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. Acarbose is also called Glucobay or Accarb.
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What is acarbose?
Acarbose is used to treat type 2 diabetes, together with exercise, good nutrition, weight loss and other lifestyle measures. It may be used alone or with other medicines for diabetes. Acarbose works by slowing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates (sugars) and in this way lowers high blood glucose after each meal. To work properly acarbose must be taken at the start of a meal (with the first bites). In New Zealand acarbose is available as tablets (50 mg and 100 mg).
Read more about type 2 diabetes and medicines for type 2 diabetes.
Dose
- The starting dose of acarbose is 50 milligrams 3 times a day.
- Depending on your blood glucose level, your doctor may increase your dose to 100 milligrams 3 times a day. Some people may need a higher dose.
- Always take your acarbose exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much acarbose to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.
How to take acarbose
- Timing: Chew your acarbose tablet with the first mouthfuls of food at each meal, or swallow the tablet whole with a little water just before your meal.
- Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking acarbose. It may affect your blood glucose control.
- Missed dose: If you forget your dose with your meal, wait to take the next dose with your next meal. Do not take double the dose and do not take the tablets between meals.
- Keep taking acarbose regularly. To control your diabetes, you must keep taking acarbose every day.
- Unwell from vomiting or diarrhoea (runny poos): If you have severe gastro such as vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than a few hours and are at risk of dehydration, ask your healthcare provider for advice. They may recommend that you stop taking acarbose until you are better. Read more about diabetes sick day plan.
Possible side effects of acarbose?
Like all medicines, acarbose can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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For more information on side effects, see the Medsafe consumer information leaflets Glucobay and Accarb. Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product |
Interactions
Acarbose may interact with a few medications and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting acarbose or before starting any new medicines.
Learn more
The following links have more information on acarbose.
Acarbose (Māori) New Zealand Formulary Patient Information
Glucobay Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet
References
- Acarbose New Zealand Formulary
- Managing patients with type 2 diabetes: from lifestyle to insulin BPAC, NZ, 2015
- Glucobay Medsafe Datasheet
Additional resources for healthcare professionals
Antidiabetic drugs NZ Formulary
Interactions checker NZ Formulary
Type 2 diabetes management guidance New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD)