Drug Name

Glyset (Miglitol)

Drug Uses

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

How Taken

Use Glyset as directed by your doctor.

• Take Glyset with the first bite of each main meal, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
• If you are also taking charcoal or digestive enzyme preparations with Glyset, space them at least 2 to 4 hours apart for maximum effectiveness.
• Carefully follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.
• Temporary insulin therapy may be necessary during stressful periods (such as fever, trauma, infection, or surgery).

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Glyset.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Glyset 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

If you miss a dose of Glyset and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Glyset 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 Glyset out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Glyset if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Glyset;
• 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 diabetic ketoacidosis (high ketone levels) or moderate to severe kidney problems.

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

Important :

• Notify your dentist or doctor that you are taking Glyset before you have any dental work or surgery.
• Carefully follow the regular testing of urine or blood glucose schedules given to you by your health care provider.
• Glyset, used with other diabetes medicines, may cause a loss of blood sugar control. Your health care provider may need to change the amount of medicine that you are taking. Because Glyset prevents the breakdown of table (cane) sugar, be sure to use glucose (dextrose), not sugar or fruits, to treat symptoms of low blood sugar (tiredness, excessive hunger and sweating, numbness in arms or legs). Contact your health care provider if these symptoms occur.
• Use Glyset with extreme caution in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant while taking Glyset, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Glyset during pregnancy. Glyset is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast feed while taking Glyset.

Possible Side Effects

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

• bloating; diarrhea; gas; soft stools; stomach pain.

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

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

More Information

Glyset 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.