Drug Name

Precose (Acarbose)

Drug Uses

Precose is an oral medication used to treat type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes when high blood sugar levels cannot be controlled by diet alone. Precose works by slowing the body's digestion of carbohydrates so that blood sugar levels won't surge upward after a meal.

How Taken

Use Precose as directed by your doctor.

• Take Precose by mouth with food.
• If you also take charcoal or digestive enzyme preparations, do not take them within 2 to 4 hours before after taking Precose. Check with your doctor if you have questions.

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

Drug Class and Mechanism

Precose 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 Precose 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 Precose 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 Precose out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Precose if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Precose;
• 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 cirrhosis of the liver or unexplained abnormal liver function tests;
• you have diabetic ketoacidosis (high ketone levels) or severe kidney problems.

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

Important:

• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Precose before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Carefully follow the regular testing of urine or blood glucose schedules given to you by your health care provider.
• Precose, 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 Precose 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.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Precose. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Precose while you are pregnant. It is not known if Precose is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Precose.

Possible Side Effects

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

• bloating; diarrhea; gas; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

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

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

More Information

Precose 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.