What does it do?

Acarbose is used to treat diabetes by reducing the absorption of sugars from food.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, bowel or digestion problems, or if you have had recent abdominal surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take acarbose as directed. It may be swallowed whole with a glass of water, or chewed, at the start of a meal.

What if you forget a dose?

Skip the missed dose and continue as directed. Do not take two doses at the same time and do not take doses between meals.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Skin rash, itching	Tell your doctor
Farting, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Test your blood sugar as directed by your health professional.
• Do not use regular household sugar to treat low blood sugar (a “hypo”) when taking acarbose. Discuss other options (e.g. dextrose tablets) with your health professional.
• Limit alcohol intake as it may alter your blood sugar.