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Compare Precose vs. Afrezza

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Acarbose (Precose) and Afrezza (insulin human inhaled) are both used to manage diabetes, but they work in different ways and have distinct characteristics. Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor taken orally with meals to slow down carbohydrate digestion, which helps control blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It is less likely to cause hypoglycemia when used alone but can cause side effects like gas and diarrhea. On the other hand, Afrezza is a fast-acting insulin inhaled through the mouth before meals, suitable for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It starts working within minutes but can cause low blood sugar, cough, and throat irritation. Afrezza is a good option for those who prefer not to use injections, but it is not recommended for people with breathing problems like asthma or COPD. Unlike acarbose, Afrezza is available in a branded form and requires careful handling and storage.

  • Acarbose
    Afrezza (insulin)
  • Acarbose
    Afrezza (insulin)

  • Summary of Precose vs. Afrezza

    Summary for Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
    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.

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Afrezza is an ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin for adults with diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels from meals. You breathe in the medication through the mouth using the Afrezza inhaler usually at the start of meals. Common side effects are low blood sugar and cough. There's also a risk of bronchospasm (sudden narrowing of the airways), which can make it hard to breathe. So Afrezza (insulin) isn't for people with breathing problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  • Indications of Precose vs. Afrezza

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adults
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Precose vs. Afrezza

    Pros and Const for Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
    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
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •A good choice for people who don't want to use injectable insulin
    •Can help people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar
    •Starts to work in about 12 minutes and lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on your dose
    Cons
    •Might need to use more than one cartridge of insulin for your dose (if you need more than 12 units of insulin)
    •Not for people who smoke or for people with breathing problems (e.g., asthma, COPD)
    •Not approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Precose vs. Afrezza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Excessive gas (74%)
    •Diarrhea (31%)
    •Stomach pain (19%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar (up to 67%)
    •Cough (up to 29%)
    •Throat pain or irritation (up to 6%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Precose vs. Afrezza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar when taken together with other diabetes medications
    •Changes in liver labs
    •Losing control of blood sugar
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Changes in blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
    •Diabetic ketoacidosis
    •Low potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Precose vs. Afrezza

    Learn more about Acarbose
    Learn more about Afrezza

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