Uses of Acarbose+Metformin

The combination of Acarbose+Metformin is used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients who have not sufficiently responded to either diet and exercise alone or after a combination of diet and exercise with other single oral antidiabetic medicines.

Therapeutic Category

Acarbose+Metformin: Antidiabetic agents

How Acarbose+Metformin works

Acarbose is a glucosidase inhibitor. It is used to manage non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Metformin belongs to a class of medicine called biguanides. Metformin reduces the amount of sugar that the liver releases into the blood and gives a better response to insulin. This is the major action responsible for lowering blood glucose levels. Acarbose works by inhibiting the action of enzymes involved in the digestion of carbohydrates and sugars, thereby delaying the digestion of carbohydrates complex (sugars) and lowering blood sugar levels.

Common side effects of Acarbose+Metformin

• Digestive problems
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in taste
• Flatulence
• Rumbling in the stomach
• Feeling of fullness (bloating)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Accumulation of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis). Symptoms include weakness, tiredness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea chillness in arms and legs, dizziness or light-headed, irregular
  heartbeat
• Inflammation of the liver(hepatitis) or abnormal liver function symptoms includes tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Skin reactions such as erythema (redness or skin rash) skin itching with rash and redness (hives)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include (fatigue, headache, muscle cramps and weakness)
• Thrombocytopenia (decrease in the number of platelets (blood cells necessary for clotting))

Health Tips for Acarbose+Metformin

• Take Acarbose+Metformin as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Do not skip doses or stop taking them without consulting your doctor
• Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine to improve its effects
• Do not drive or handle heavy machines if you experience side effects like feeling dizzy, drowsy, or tired, or if you have blurred vision while taking Acarbose+Metformin
• Drink an adequate amount of water unless your healthcare provider
• Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Acarbose+Metformin is not recommended for use in pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding women