Miglitol
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Acarbose
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Summary for Miglitol
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
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
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