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Acarbose Coupon - Acarbose 50mg tablet

acarbose

Generic Precose
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 2

Acarbose is a medication that's used together with a healthy diet and exercise to help control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It isn't as commonly used as other diabetes medications since it can lead to some unpleasant side effects like gas and diarrhea. But acarbose is less likely to cause hypoglycemia compared to other diabetes medications when used on its own. This medication is only available as the generic name acarbose since the brand name Precose has been discontinued.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 18, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Acarbose?

What is Acarbose used for?

  • Type 2 diabetes

How Acarbose works

Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. It temporarily blocks a protein called alpha-glucosidase, which slows down the digestion of carbohydrates in your gut. As a result, your body will absorb less sugar from the foods that you eat. And this leads to lower blood sugar levels after you eat.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPrecose (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAlpha-glucosidase inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$83.64(save 73.15%)
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$22.46
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What are the side effects of Acarbose?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Excessive gas (74%)
  • Diarrhea (31%)
  • Stomach pain (19%)

Other Side Effects

  • Rash
  • Skin redness
  • Itching
  • Swelling

Source: DailyMed

More on Acarbose side effects

Health: Acarbose: side effects acarbose

5 Acarbose Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Julie Adkison, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain

bloated feeling or passing of gas

diarrhea

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Acarbose

thumbs-up

Pros

Not likely to cause weight gain, instead it might cause weight loss

Helps control blood sugar levels after you're eating

Low risk of low blood sugar when used alone

Can be used with other diabetes medications

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be taken multiple times a day

Needs to be taken with meals

Side effects include excessive gas and diarrhea

Not recommended for people with severe kidney problems

Typically not considered a first-choice treatment option

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Acarbose

pharmacist

  • Take acarbose with the first bite of each main meal so it can work properly.

    • If you're taking acarbose with other medications that can cause low blood sugar (e.g., insulin, sulfonylureas), carry glucose tablets with you at all times so that you can take them if your blood sugar drops. Products with sucrose, another form of sugar, might not work well to raise your blood sugar because acarbose will delay their digestion.

      • It's common to experience stomach side effects during the first few weeks of treatment with acarbose. These include stomach pain, excessive gas, and diarrhea. They should become less bothersome with time.

        • Talk to your provider before taking over-the-counter (OTC) products like Beano to help with gas. Some products contain alpha-glucosidase, the protein that acarbose blocks. If you take both, acarbose might not work as well at lowering your blood sugar.

          • Before making any changes to your medications, talk with your provider first. Certain medications (e.g., thiazides, corticosteroids, estrogens) have the potential to raise your blood sugar levels, and stopping them suddenly while taking acarbose could lead to low blood sugar levels.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Acarbose

            When do you take acarbose?
            Acarbose works the best when it's taken at the start of your meal, since it helps slow the breakdown of food into sugar. If you happen to forget a dose and it's been a while after your meal, the medication might not work as well. This is because your food would have already been broken down and the sugars absorbed into your body. In this case, skip this dose and take your next dose as scheduled with your next main meal. Never double up on your dose of acarbose because this can lead to side effects. If you aren't sure if you should still take your missed dose, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
            Can you take acarbose with metformin?
            Yes. Acarbose works in your gut, while metformin works in your liver. And they work differently to treat diabetes. These two medications can lower blood sugar levels better together compared to either one alone. Your provider will help guide you to the best treatment options to help control your blood sugar levels.
            How long does it take for acarbose to work?
            When taken with the first bite of each meal, acarbose works within minutes. Most of the medication isn't absorbed into your body, and it works directly in your gut to prevent the breakdown of carbohydrates. This helps to keep your blood sugar levels lower when you eat.
            Does acarbose cause hypoglycemia?
            Acarbose is less likely to cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, compared to other diabetes medications when it's taken alone. But, if it's used in combination with some other diabetes medications (e.g., insulin, sulfonylureas), it can raise the risk of low blood sugar even more. When taken together with metformin, it shouldn't cause low blood sugar. If you do experience low blood sugar, it's important to use glucose (dextrose) products and NOT sucrose (cane sugar) to raise your blood sugar. This is because acarbose interferes with the breakdown of sucrose into sugar your body needs.
            Does acarbose cause weight gain?
            Probably not. Weight gain from acarbose wasn't reported in the clinical studies and isn't a known side effect. In fact, the medication might actually lead to weight loss. If you have concerns about your weight, speak to your provider.
            Is acarbose safe in pregnancy?
            There haven't been enough studies in pregnant women to know if acarbose is safe to take during pregnancy. But animal studies haven't shown any harm to unborn babies. It's important to remember that animal studies don't always reflect what happens in humans, so potential risks to mothers and babies can't be ruled out. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, speak to your provider about the risks and benefits of this medication. They can provide guidance on the safest treatment options to manage your blood sugar during your pregnancy.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Acarbose?

            Acarbose can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Low blood sugar when taken together with other diabetes medications

            • Risk factors: Using insulin or sulfonylureas

              When acarbose is used together with insulin or a sulfonylurea, your blood sugar can drop too low, which can be life-threatening. Signs of low blood sugar include fast heartbeat, sweating, pale skin, shakiness, confusion, and irritability. Make sure to carry glucose tablets at all times while you're on this medication, because products with sucrose (another form of sugar) won't work fast enough to raise your blood sugar.

              risk-warning

              Changes in liver labs

              • Risk factors: Higher dose of medication | Women

                In clinical trials, some people taking acarbose had changes in their liver labs. But these changes returned to normal after the medication was stopped. This is usually only seen when lab work is ordered. Make sure to get regular lab work done when your provider orders it. If you experience nausea, stomach pain, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, seek medical attention right away. These could be signs of liver problems.

                risk-warning

                Losing control of blood sugar

                • Risk factors: Stress such as fever, trauma, infection, or surgery

                  Over time, acarbose might stop lowering your blood sugar. Sometimes this happens when your body is under stress. If this happens, you might need to stop acarbose and switch to insulin. Talk to your provider about how often you should check your blood sugar levels, and make sure to attend all of your follow-up appointments.

                  dosage

                  Acarbose dosage forms

                  The average cost for 90 tablets of 50mg of Acarbose is $26.10 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 68.79% off the average retail price of $83.64.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  25mg90 tablets$22.46$0.25
                  50mg90 tablets$26.10$0.29
                  100mg90 tablets$29.70$0.33

                  Typical dosing for Acarbose

                  • Starting dose: The typical starting dose is 25 mg three times daily by mouth taken with the first bite with each main meal.

                  • Maintenance dose: The typical maintenance dose is 50 mg to 100 mg three times daily by mouth taken with the first bite with each main meal.

                  Your provider will adjust your dose based on whether you're having side effects and how well the medication is working to control your blood sugar levels.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Acarbose and other drugs

                  Acarbose may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Acarbose. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Acarbose cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Precose (brand)
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                  $22.46

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                  Acarbose (generic)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $22.46

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                  contraindications-icon

                  Acarbose contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Acarbose will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Acarbose?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Acarbose. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Acarbose
                  Used for:

                  • Type 2 diabetes

                  $22.46 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Metformin
                  Used for:

                  • Type 2 diabetes

                  $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Glipizide
                  Used for:
                  $12.95 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Acarbose images

                  White Round 54 737 - Acarbose 50mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "54 737".White Round 54 737 - Acarbose 50mg Tablet
                  White Round E72 - Acarbose 50mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "E72".White Round E72 - Acarbose 50mg Tablet
                  White Round Hp 148 - Acarbose 50mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Hp 148".White Round Hp 148 - Acarbose 50mg Tablet
                  White Round Precose 50 - Acarbose 50mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Precose 50".White Round Precose 50 - Acarbose 50mg Tablet

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). What Are My Options for Type 2 Diabetes Medications?

                  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). How To Treat Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia).

                  Chartwell RX, LLC. (2023). ACARBOSE tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  View All References (4)

                  ElSayed, N. A., et al. (2022). 9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care.

                  Lettieri, J. T., et al. (1998). Effects of beano on the tolerability and pharmacodynamics of acarbose. Clinical Therapeutics.

                  Rosak, C., et al. (1995). The effect of the timing and the administration of acarbose on postprandial hyperglycaemia. Diabetic Medicine: A Journal of the British Diabetic Association.

                  Schnell, O., et al. (2016). Acarbose reduces body weight irrespective of glycemic control in patients with diabetes: results of a worldwide, non-interventional, observational study data pool. Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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