Glucobay 50 – Acarbose 50 mg

How does Glucobay 50 mg help?

Like mentioned earlier, Glucobay (Acarbose) 50 mg belongs to a group of medicines called the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. These inhibitors are known to help a diabetic patient by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates (complex sugars) in the body and there help control sugar levels inflation after a meal.

Commonly used for treating type-2 diabetes in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications or drugs, it controls blood sugar levels that often raises after a meal in diabetic patients.

How do you take Glucobay 50mg tablets?

Though Glucobay (Acarbose) 50 mg can directly be swallowed with water or be chewed, there are a couple things one needs to consider while taking a dose of it. Always take doses as prescribed by your doctor. Also, make sure that you are taking the dose just before the meal and not any other time. Moreover, the medication can either be chewed or swallowed with water. It will take around an hour for the medication to get its peak effect and will last its effect for around 4-6 hours straight.

How should you store Acarbose 50mg?

Not just for Glucobay, proper storage of any medication/drug ensures that it works effectively over time and its shelf life can be increased or at least contained. There are factors like moisture and heat that may damage medication and can even alter its usual effect on an individual.

Talking about common storage instructions for Glucobay 50, these include:

• Keeping the medicine in a cool and dry place to refrain it from heat and moisture: ensuring the medicine is not damaged.
• Keeping the medicine away from children as it may develop health consequences if mistakenly taken by someone who is not prescribed.

Why Glucobay (Acarbose) instead of another medication?

People with type-2 diabetes tend to have an inflation in blood sugar levels as just after they have a meal. This happens because the foods contain carbohydrates or carbs which are complex sugars– contributing to increase sugar levels in the body.

Since there are very less mediational options available that may help control the increase in blood sugar after a meal, Glucobay 50 mg is an effective medicine to look after this increase in blood glucose. Moreover, having less side effects and/or allergies, Glucobay (Acarbose) is ideal for type-2 diabetes.

What side effects and risks can you expect? When should you report them?

Though Glucobay 50 mg is less likely to develop any serious side effects, there are some common side effects and allergies one may go through for a week or so; until the body gets used to the medication. These common side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Flatulence
• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion, and
• Swelling

These are some side effects one may develop in the initial days of treatment: but these side effects gradually improve on their own. But, if they do not go within 1-2 weeks, it is suggested to seek a doctor’s help as he/she might come up with possible solutions.

FAQs

How long does it take for Glucobay 50 mg to take effect?

Glucobay (Acarbose) may take a bit to get into the system and start showing its noticeable effects. Though, it is observed that the medicine takes around 1 hour to get to its peak effect. Usually, you can intake a dose 1-2 hours before you are supposed to have a meal.

How long does the effect of Glucobay 50mg last?

As soon as the medicine kicks off in the system, it may last around 4-6 hours on an average. Though the lasting duration may vary with the individual’s health, usually the medicine is good to go for anyone.

Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking Glucobay (Acarbose)?

Consuming alcohol while you are under Glucobay prescription is not recommended. Patients with diabetes and consuming alcohol are more likely to have the risk of increased blood glucose levels. While you are under a certain diabetes treatment, maintaining a proper diabetes-specific diet is mandatory for better sugar levels control.

Is Glucobay a habit-forming medicine?

No, Glucobay containing Acarbose is one of the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors that are usually prescribed to be used when needed and have a certain period of effect on one’s system, around 4-6 hours. And to be precise, Glucobay (Acarbose) is not a habit-forming drug.

Can Acarbose 50mg be taken during pregnancy?

Though there are not much evidences or studies on Glucobay (Acarbose) effect on women during pregnancy, there are some animal studies that have shown harmful effects on the baby. However, you can consult with a doctor as he/she might help measure the potential benefits, risks and your drug suitability to conclude if you can either take Glucobay 50 during pregnancy or not.

Can Glucobay be taken while breast-feeding?

There are no studies on whether taking Glucobay (Acarbose) inhibitor while breast-feeding is healthy or harmful, the best is to seek your doctor’s help in this regard and choose between the offered solutions.