How does it work?

In patients with diabetes mellitus, there is a deficiency or absence of a hormone manufactured by the pancreas called insulin. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for the control of blood sugar levels. Acarbose is an antidiabetic medicine which is used in those patients with maturity onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM). It works by inhibiting the action of a chemical in the intestines that is responsible for breaking down sugars into molecules small enough for absorption into the body. It therefore slows down the digestion and absorption of sugars and starches from the gut. This means that the normal rise in blood sugar following a meal is reduced, and the daily fluctuations in blood sugar are smoothed out. Acarbose is used for the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes in patients inadequately controlled on diet alone or on diet and other oral antidiabetic medicines.

What is it used for?

Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes

Warning!

If low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) occurs during treatment with this medicine, it should be treated with glucose not sucrose, as acarbose will delay the absorption of sucrose.

Swallow this medicine whole with liquid immediately before a meal, or chew it with the first mouthful of food.

Antacids have been shown not to relieve the intestinal side effects of this medicine. If diarrhoea occurs and persists, consult your doctor.

It is recommended that blood tests to monitor liver function should be performed for the first 6-12 months of use.

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Children under 12 years of age

Conditions such as hernias which may worsen as a result of increased gas formation in the gut

Decreased liver function

Individuals with a tendency to suffer from intestinal obstruction

Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Long term diseases of the gut with associated disorders of digestion or absorption

Moderate to severely decreased kidney function

Partial blockage of the gut (partial intestinal obstruction)

Pregnancy

Ulceration of the lower large intestine (colon)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

Control of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy is usually achieved using insulin because it provides a more stable control of blood sugar. Please consult with your doctor.

The manufacturer states not to use this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding as there is insufficient safety information available. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Swelling of abdomen (abdominal distension)

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)

Loud rumbling sounds from the gut (borborygmi).

Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)

Rash

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Alteration in results of liver function tests

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine causes a moderate increase in the effects of other oral antidiabetic medicines and insulin. Amylase, pancreatin and charcoal may reduce the effect of this medicine. They should not be taken at the same time. Colestyramine may enhance the effects of acarbose. Neomycin may cause increased gut disturbances when given with acarbose. Acarbose may alter digoxin levels, and these should therefore be monitored if acarbose is used with digoxin.

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