Glucobay: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses

What medicine is Glucobay?

Glucobay is an oral medication used in type two diabetes patients to help control blood sugar when diet, exercise, and weight loss are not sufficiently successful in lowering blood glucose levels for the desired results. Discipline in controlling blood sugar will help people with diabetes avoid kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, amputations, and problems with sexual function. Proper blood sugar control also lowers the risk of having a heart attack and stroke.

Glucobay contains the active ingredient acarbose. Acarbose in this drug works by delaying the breakdown of glucose and starch in the intestines and their absorption back into the blood. That way, the increase in blood sugar that usually occurs after eating can be prevented. This treatment can be combined with other diabetes drugs if needed or as a single therapy.

What are the rules for drinking Glucobay?

Glucobay is an oral medication that is taken by chewing together with a mouth full of food. You can also swallow it whole as usual, along with the first bite during a meal. This medicine is usually taken three times a day.

Many factors influence the dosing of this drug to patients, including body weight, health condition, and body response to treatment. Do not change your dose or stop a dose without consulting your doctor. At the start of treatment, your doctor may only recommend taking it once or twice a day, before increasing to three times a day.

Take this medicine regularly to keep your blood sugar levels within safe limits. To make it easier for you to remember, take this medication at the same time each day. If you don't feel any improvement or even get worse, see your doctor immediately.

What are the rules for storing Glucobay?

Store this drug in a dry place and room temperature is not more than 30 degrees Celsius. Do not open it if you are not going to consume it. Do not store this medication in the bathroom, near a sink, or a window. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not leave this medicine in the car. Read the storage instructions that are on the product package or follow the directions given by your pharmacist. Keep out of reach of children.

If your doctor tells you to stop medication or the medicine has reached its expiration date, discard this drug safely. Do not flush this medication down the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Glucobay for adult patients?

Initial dose: 50 mg, once a day. Some people may start Glucobay medication with a smaller dose to avoid the risk of side effects.

Maximum dose: 100 mg, three times a day

In what dosage and preparation is Glucobay available?

Tablet, Oral: 50 mg, 100 mg

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to consumption of Glucobay?

Immediately inform the doctor if you feel uncomfortable when taking Glucobay. All drugs have side effects that can sometimes be serious, but most drugs do not produce serious side effects. If you have serious side effects, you may need medical attention.

Some people may experience unwanted side effects when taking this drug at an early stage as a form of bodily adjustment. However, in some cases, these symptoms persist or even get worse. The following are some of the side effects that may occur due to consumption of Glucobay:

• Bloated
• A rumbling sound in the upper abdomen
• Feelings of begging (stomach is too full)
• Softer stools or diarrhea
• Digestive problems
• Loss of appetite
• Gag
• Build-up of fluid (edema / swelling of the tissue due to an increase in the amount of fluid)
• Jaundice (of the eyes and skin)
• Swelling of the liver (hepatitis)
• Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood

Most of the side effects from the above list do not occur. However, if you experience it and it doesn't get better, contact your doctor immediately for treatment. Do not take antacids to relieve the above symptoms.

Serious allergic reactions are rare as a result of taking this drug. However, if you experience a serious allergic reaction characterized by itching, rash, redness, swelling of the face / eyes / lips / tongue / throat area, and shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately for treatment.

The above list is only a list of the most common side effects, it is not a complete list. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects that you are concerned about.

Warnings and Precautions

What should I pay attention to before taking Glucobay?

• Tell your doctor if you have a drug allergy, especially acarbose (the active ingredient in Glucobay) and other drugs. Glucobay may contain other ingredients that can cause allergies
• Inform your entire medical history, including past and current illnesses, such as kidney disease, hernias, ulcerative colitis, or recently had surgery on the upper abdomen.
• Taking Glucobay might improve certain liver function tests. Your doctor will likely monitor and check your liver function at 6-12 months of treatment with Glucobay
• Do not give this medicine to children younger than 18 years
• Tell your doctor if you are planning or are pregnant and need blood sugar control

Is Glucobay safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There has not been adequate research regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. The acarbose content in Glucobay is included in category B (no risk in some studies) according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also not known whether acarbose in Glucobay is released by the body through breast milk. Its use in pregnant and lactating women should be avoided.

Drug Interactions

What drugs interact with Glucobay?

Several drugs cannot be taken at the same time because it will cause drug interactions. Drug interactions can increase the risk of serious side effects or change the performance of your medications. Even so, your doctor may prescribe both interacting drugs at the same time if needed with a dose adjustment.

The following is a list of drugs that interact with Glucobay:

• Neomycin
• Artificial digestive enzymes
• Digoxin
• Anticoagulants
• Salbutamol
• Diuretic
• Family planning pills
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone

The above list does not include the entire list of drugs that interact with Glucobay. Inform your doctor about the entire list of medicines you take, whether prescribed, non-prescription, multivitamins, or even herbal medicines.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

Call emergency medical assistance (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department for emergency help. Avoid consuming foods or drinks that contain carbohydrates in this condition. An overdose accompanied by carbohydrate consumption can lead to diarrhea and other digestive problems, such as gas in the stomach and cramps in the upper abdomen.

What if I miss my medication schedule?

If you forget your medication schedule, take Glucobay at the same time as your next meal schedule. Do not take this medication without food or between your meals. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.