Miglitol vs. Acarbose for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Miglitol

Acarbose

Summary for Miglitol

Prescription only

Miglitol is a medication that's used together with diet and exercise to help control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. This medication is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day with the first few bites of each meal. Miglitol isn't as commonly used as other diabetes medications since it can lead to some unpleasant side effects like gas and diarrhea. But it's less likely to cause hypoglycemia when used on its own. It's only available as the generic name miglitol since the brand name Glyset is no longer available.

Indications for Miglitol

Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Miglitol

Pros

Not likely to cause weight gain, instead it might cause weight loss
Helps control blood sugar levels after each meal
Low risk of low blood sugar when used alone
Can be used with other diabetes medications

Cons

Must be taken multiple times a day
Side effects include diarrhea, gas, and stomach pain
Not recommended for people with severe kidney problems
Typically not considered a first-choice treatment option

Common Side Effects for Miglitol

Passing gas (42%)
Diarrhea (29%)
Stomach pain (12%)

Warnings for Miglitol

Low blood sugar when taken together with other diabetes medications
Kidney problems causing medication buildup
Losing control of blood sugar

Summary for Acarbose

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Acarbose

Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Acarbose

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

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

Common Side Effects for Acarbose

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

Warnings for Acarbose

Low blood sugar when taken together with other diabetes medications
Changes in liver labs
Losing control of blood sugar

Prices with our coupons for Miglitol vs. Acarbose

Miglitol100 tablets / 25mg

$57.88$207.93

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Acarbose90 tablets / 50mg

$25.20$61.64

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Miglitol vs. Acarbose

Miglitol

Acarbose

Summary for Miglitol

Indications for Miglitol

Pros and Cons for Miglitol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Miglitol

Warnings for Miglitol

Summary for Acarbose

Indications for Acarbose

Pros and Cons for Acarbose

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Acarbose

Warnings for Acarbose

Prices with our coupons for Miglitol vs. Acarbose

Browse medications by letter

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Miglitol

Acarbose

Summary for Miglitol

Indications for Miglitol

Pros and Cons for Miglitol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Miglitol

Warnings for Miglitol

Summary for Acarbose

Indications for Acarbose

Pros and Cons for Acarbose

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Acarbose

Warnings for Acarbose