Acarbose (Precose) is a glucosidase inhibitor.

Use Acarbose (Precose) as directed by your doctor.

Take Acarbose (Precose) by mouth with food.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Acarbose (Precose).

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Bloating; diarrhea; gas; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe stomach pain; yellowing of skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of their side effects, including bleeding, may be increased by Acarbose (Precose)
Calcium channel blockers (eg, verapamil), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), phenytoin, sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), or thyroid hormone because they may increase or decrease Acarbose (Precose)'s effectiveness
Insulin or sulfonylureas (eg, glyburide) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Acarbose (Precose)
Digoxin because its effectiveness may be decreased by Acarbose (Precose)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Acarbose (Precose) may interact with other medicines that you take.

Contact 1-800-222-1222 your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have stomach or intestinal problems, liver problems, or kidney problems

Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose.

Treating type 2 diabetes in adults whose diabetes cannot be managed with diet alone.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store away from heat and direct light.

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Acarbose (Precose) before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Carefully follow the regular testing of urine or blood glucose schedules given to you by your health care provider.

If you have any questions about Acarbose (Precose), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.