Precautions and Warnings With Acarbose

There are a number of precautions and warnings with acarbose to be aware of, including potential drug interactions and the risk of low blood sugar or increased liver enzymes in some people taking the drug. Some of the conditions you should tell your healthcare provider about prior to taking acarbose include ulcers in the colon, a chronic intestinal condition that affects digestion, and a history of diabetic ketoacidosis. Those with type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease are among the people who should not take acarbose.

 

Acarbose: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking acarbose (Precose®) if you have:
 
  • Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • A history of diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening condition that may occur with uncontrolled diabetes)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
  • Ulcers in the colon
  • Intestinal obstruction or intestinal blockage
  • A chronic intestinal (digestive) condition that affects digestion
  • Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
You should also tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Precautions and Warnings With Acarbose Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;