Glucobay M 25 mg Tablet

Glucobay 25 mg (Acarbose / Metformin)

Glucobay 25 mg (Acarbose / Metformin) is used to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glucobay M is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications

How it works

Glucobay 25 mg belongs to class of medications called Oral hypoglycemics (alpha-glucosidase inhibitor). Glucobay M decreases the digestion and absorption of carbohydrate in the intestine by inhibiting intestinal enzyme (alpha glucosidase) results in reduction of increase in blood glucose level after meal

What is acarbose?

Acarbose slows the digestion of carbohydrates in the body, which helps control blood sugar levels. Acarbose is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Glucobay M is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications you take by mouth. Glucobay M may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about acarbose?

You should not use Acarbose / Metformin if you have inflammatory bowel disease, an ulcer or blockage in your intestines, or cirrhosis of the liver. Do not use acarbose if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

How should I take acarbose?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take Acarbose / Metformin with the first bite of a main meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor?s office.
If you take Acarbose / Metformin with insulin or other diabetes medications, your blood sugar could get too low.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Always keep a source of dextrose (D-glucose) with you in case you have low blood sugar. When taking Acarbose / Metformin, dextrose will work better than cane sugar or table sugar in treating hypoglycemia. Sources of dextrose include honey, dates, raisins, plums, dried prunes, grapes, or glucose tablets. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.

Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss. Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor?s advice.

Acarbose / Metformin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, regular blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor?s instructions very closely. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What are the doses instructions?

Missdose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take it with a meal). If it has been longer than 15 minutes since you started your meal, you may still take acarbose but it may be less effective than taking it with the first bite of the meal. Do not take acarbose between meals, and do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

Overdose

If overdose, immediately consult with your concerned doctor.

Common side effects

• Nausea,
• Liver enzyme increased,
• Jaundice,
• Abnormal liver function tests,
• Diarrhoea,
• Flatulence,
• Indigestion,
• Stomach pain,
• Swelling,
• Vomiting

FAQs

Q: Is acarbose/Glucobay a protein?
A: No, acarbose is not a protein; it is a complex oligosaccharide (sugar).

Q: Is Acarbose / Metformin safe?
A: Acarbose / Metformin is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.

Q: Does acarbose cause weight fluctuations?
A: Acarbose when combined with low calorie diet and exercise may cause weight loss. Acarbose generally does not cause weight gain when taken as prescribed.

Q: Does Acarbose / Metformin cause hypoglycemia?
A: Acarbose / Metformin does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if taken as prescribed. However, low blood sugar can occur if you take acarbose with another blood sugar lowering medicine, delay or miss a meal or snack, exercise more than usual or drink alcohol.

Q: How long does acarbose last?
A: Generally, the effect of acarbose lasts up to 3-5 hours, however it may vary depending on the individual taking the medicine.