Glucobay (Acarbose) is a medication used in combination with diet and exercise to help people with type 2 diabetes control the amount of sugar in their blood, and may also sometimes be used for treating prediabetes. Glucobay is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes. Glucobay may be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications. Glucobay belongs to a class of medications called Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and works by delaying the breakdown of sugars and starches in the stomach and their absorption into the blood by blocking the a-glucosidase enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down sugars. By blocking the a-glucosidase enzyme and delaying the breakdown of sugars, Glucobay can prevent the rise in blood glucose that normally occurs after eating.

Manufacturer Information

The common side effects of Glucobay may include stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, mild diarrhea, or mild skin rash or itching. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious side effects such as:

• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• Severe constipation;
• Severe stomach pain;
• Signs of liver problems (nausea, upper stomach pain, jaundice, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools)

If you notice any severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.

You should not use Glucobay if you are allergic to Acarbose, or if you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a blockage in your intestines, a digestive disorder affecting your intestines, intestinal ulcers, cirrhosis of the liver, or diabetic ketoacidosis. To make sure Glucobay is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, a bowel or intestinal disorder, or a stomach disorder. Glucobay is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is unknown whether Glucobay passes into breast-milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using Glucobay. This medication is not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old. Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medication, as it can lower your blood sugar. Avoid taking a digestive enzyme such as pancreatin, amylase, or lipase at the same time you take Glucobay, as they can make it harder for your body to absorb Glucobay. Several medications may interact with Glucobay, especially isoniazid, niacin, birth control pills and other hormonal medications, diuretics (water pills), heart or blood pressure medication, insulin or oral diabetes medications, diet pills, stimulants, medications to treat asthma, colds, or allergies, phenothiazines, seizure medications, steroids, or thyroid medications. Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of any possible interactions.

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