|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

Acarbose Side Effects

Acarbose is a prescription medicine that is used for the treatment of type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes and specifically for the management of high glucose levels. It is intended to be used alongside a nutritionally balanced diet and regular exercise. It can be used simultaneously with other medicines as well, such as metformin and insulin. Some side effects of acarbose use are possible.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • There are a few common side effects to using acarbose, which are mostly considered to be minor since they usually go away quickly. These side effects include stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating and nausea. If these side effects get increasingly worse, or if they persist for a while, you should discuss the situation with your physician.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Serious side effects are rarer than minor side effects of acarbose but still can happen occasionally. Some serious side effects of the medicine are extreme stomach pain and yellowing of the eyes or the skin. If you notice these symptoms, you should get emergency medical care.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Allergic reactions are also a possibility while taking acarbose. In situations of allergic reaction, you must get emergency medical assistance immediately, as they are considered to be severe side effects. Some signs of allergic reaction to acarbose are an extremely tight feeling in the chest, hives, itching, skin rash, difficulty breathing and swelling.

    Warnings

    • Not everyone should use this medication, as it is not safe for everybody. People who are advised against taking acarbose include those who are allergic to any of its ingredients, those with serious kidney problems, those with diabetes ketoacidosis, those with liver cirrhosis, those with colon ulcers or long-term bowel inflammation and those with intestinal or stomach blockage (or high risk of either).

    Drug Interactions

    • There are certain medications that could interact with acarbose and, as a result, alter the effectiveness of the medicine. Some types of medicines that could lead to such reactions are digoxin, anticoagulants, diuretics, phenothiazines, calcium channel blockers, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, thyroid hormones, sulfonylureas and insulin.

Diabetes - Related Articles