Precose - what it is
Acarbose is a prescription medication that is prescribed to help treat Type Two Diabetes, which is also called adult onset or non insulin dependent diabetes.
The maker
Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corp. is the maker of Precose.
How Precose works
Precose belongs to the family of diabetes medications known as "Alpha glucosidase inhibitors." This medication works to slow how quickly the body digests carbohydrates in most diets, which can be helpful in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and preventing spikes that can occur after eating.
Potential side effects
When taking any medication, there is the chance of experiencing side effects. There could be side effects while being treated with Precose. Not everyone who is taking this drug will notice side effects as it is generally tolerated well. If you do experience side effects it is most often the case that they are mild and require no treatment. Other more serious side effects are not reported as often.
Commonly reported side effects can include:
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Pain in the stomach
What you should know
You should not take this medication if you have an allergy to acarbose, of if you are currently having diabetic ketoacidosis (for this you should talk to your doctor about insulin treatment). You should not take this medication if you have cirrhosis of the liver, an ulcer blocking your intestines or IBD (also called inflammatory bowel disease).
Before you take this medication, be sure to let your health care provider know if you have any kinds of intestinal or stomach disorders or liver disease.
You should take Precose when you take the first bite of your main meal unless your health care provider instructs you to take it differently.
If you become injured or sick, your needs for medication may change. This may also be the case if you have any kind of surgery or a serious infection. You should not take any other dosage than what is prescribed or quit taking this medication unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
