Acarbose (Glucobay®) Tablets for Type 2 Diabetes Control

What Acarbose Is and How It Works

Acarbose is an oral diabetes medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes. This alpha‑glucosidase inhibitor slows the breakdown of complex carbohydrates in your gut. It lowers post‑meal blood sugar spikes and supports overall A1C control. The acarbose generic name corresponds to the original brand Glucobay, which Bayer first marketed. You take acarbose tablets with the first bite of each main meal. It can be used alone or with metformin, insulin, or a sulfonylurea.

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This medicine is prescription‑only; acarbose is not available over the counter. It is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Typical strengths include 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Many people start low and increase the dose slowly to improve tolerance. Acarbose therapy is weight‑neutral and has a low risk of hypoglycemia when used alone.

Dosage and Usage

• Start with 25 mg three times daily with the first bite of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• If tolerated, increase to 50 mg three times daily after 2–4 weeks.
• Some may need 100 mg three times daily for added effect, as directed.
• Swallow tablets with a sip of water at the start of a meal. Some products may be chewed with the first mouthful of food.
• If you miss a dose at a meal, skip it. Do not take the dose later. Resume at the next meal.
• If used with insulin or a sulfonylurea, carry glucose (dextrose) tablets or gel. Treat low blood sugar with pure glucose, not table sugar or sucrose.

• Store at room temperature, 15–30°C (59–86°F), away from moisture.
• Keep tablets in the original bottle with the label intact.
• When traveling, pack enough acarbose 50mg or 100mg for the trip plus extra.
• Carry your acarbose prescription and a list of medicines in your hand luggage.
• Do not leave medicine in a hot car or in direct sun.
• Use a pill organizer if it helps you take doses with meals across time zones.

Benefits and Savings

Acarbose targets post‑meal glucose. It can reduce A1C by about 0.5–0.8% over time, with the largest gains in people with high post‑prandial readings. It does not cause weight gain and has a low risk of hypoglycemia when used without insulin or a sulfonylurea. Acarbose tablet uses include add‑on therapy when metformin alone is not enough.

You can save 60–80% versus typical US prices when you order acarbose online from a Canadian pharmacy. Multi‑month supplies and occasional bulk promotions can lower the per‑month acarbose cost. We can send gentle reorder reminders so you stay on track. We list acarbose for sale in several strengths, including acarbose 50mg tablet and acarbose 100mg.

Looking for an acarbose coupon? View current offers at https://youdrugstore.com/promotions.

Side Effects and Safety

• Gas and bloating
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Diarrhea or soft stools
• Indigestion
• Transient skin rash
• Elevated liver enzymes, usually dose‑related

Serious effects are uncommon. Liver injury has been reported rarely; your provider may check liver enzymes, especially at higher doses like acarbose 100 mg. Do not use if you have inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, partial intestinal obstruction, chronic malabsorption, or cirrhosis. Severe renal impairment may preclude use. If combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea, the risk of hypoglycemia increases; reduce those doses if needed. If you develop severe abdominal symptoms, yellowing of the skin, or dark urine, seek medical care.

Onset Time

You may see lower post‑meal readings with the first doses. A1C changes take longer. Expect measurable improvements after 4–8 weeks as the dose is adjusted and meals are consistent. The full acarbose A1C reduction typically appears by 12 weeks. Weight effects are usually neutral over the first few months.

Compare With Alternatives

Metformin remains first‑line for type 2 diabetes. It lowers hepatic glucose production and improves sensitivity. Many people stay on metformin and add acarbose to target post‑meal spikes. Metformin may cause stomach upset early on but is generally well tolerated.

DPP‑4 inhibitors such as Onglyza® increase incretin levels to boost meal‑time insulin and suppress glucagon. They are weight‑neutral and have a low hypoglycemia risk. They work throughout the day, not just in the gut, and can pair with metformin or basal insulin.

Sulfonylureas like Glimepiride stimulate insulin secretion. They can lower A1C by 1% or more but may cause hypoglycemia and weight gain. Dose reductions are often needed if you add or intensify other therapies.

GLP‑1 receptor agonists (for example, liraglutide) address appetite and glucose control and may support weight loss, but they are injections and not the same as acarbose tablets.

Combination Therapy

• Metformin + acarbose: complementary actions on fasting and post‑meal glucose.
• Basal insulin + acarbose: may reduce after‑meal spikes; consider lowering insulin if lows occur.
• Sulfonylurea + acarbose: watch for hypoglycemia; reduce the sulfonylurea dose if needed.
• Thiazolidinedione + acarbose: can be used together; monitor for GI effects and edema.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates have type 2 diabetes with high post‑meal glucose despite diet and first‑line therapy. Acarbose medicine is not intended for type 1 diabetes or ketoacidosis. It is not approved for weight loss; “acarbose for weight loss” is an off‑label topic and not a supported use. It is also not a veterinary product; avoid using “acarbose for dogs” unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

Avoid this drug if you have significant digestive disease, intestinal obstruction risk, cirrhosis, or severe kidney problems. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established; discuss alternatives if needed. Some people do best with lower maximum doses, especially if under 60 kg, because GI side effects increase with higher doses.

Acarbose tablets come in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Your prescriber will choose a dose based on your meals and tolerance. We display clear acarbose price information by strength, including acarbose 25 mg price. Buying a 90‑day supply can reduce the monthly acarbose cost. You can shop acarbose online and check out securely. Acarbose Bayer branding may appear on certain references to Glucobay, the original brand.

Authoritative Sources

See the FDA prescribing information for Precose (acarbose) on the FDA label and the detailed monograph on DailyMed: acarbose.

Order Glucobay® from YouDrugstore.com: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the medication guide.