Acarbose (Precose)
$0.53
Precose contains Acarbose and helps control blood sugar after meals in type 2 diabetes by slowing carbohydrate digestion.
Drug Information
9 reviews for Acarbose (Precose)
Precose contains Acarbose.
Acarbose is a medicine for type 2 diabetes. It helps stop blood sugar from rising too high after meals.
What is it used for?
- Type 2 diabetes in adults, alone or with other diabetes medicines
How does it work?
Starchy foods and sugars are broken down in the gut into glucose. Acarbose slows this process, so sugar enters the blood more slowly after a meal.
This information is written in simple words to help you understand this product. It does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Read these points before you start. If any of them apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
- This medicine works best together with healthy eating, regular activity and keeping a healthy weight.
- It is for type 2 diabetes. It is not a replacement for insulin in type 1 diabetes.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver or heart problems.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. Insulin is often used instead during pregnancy.
- Alcohol can affect your blood sugar. Drink only small amounts and never on an empty stomach.
- Learn the signs of low blood sugar (shaking, sweating, hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion) and keep sugary sweets or glucose tablets with you.
- Do not take it if you have inflammatory bowel disease, bowel blockage, or severe kidney or liver problems.
- If you get low blood sugar while taking it with other diabetes medicines, use glucose (dextrose) tablets or gel. Normal sugar or sweets will not work quickly because acarbose slows their digestion.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every other medicine, vitamin or herbal product you use.
- Keep this product out of the reach and sight of children.
Like all medicines, Precose can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them.
Common side effects
- Wind (gas) and bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
These are usually mild and often get better as your body gets used to it. Tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.
Stop using it and get medical help straight away if you notice:
- Signs of very low blood sugar that do not get better after eating sugar: confusion, drowsiness, fits or passing out
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or lips, a severe rash, or trouble breathing
This is not a complete list. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take it three times a day, with the first bite of each main meal.
- Swallow the tablet with a little water, or chew it with the first mouthful of food.
- Most people start with 50 mg once a day and slowly increase to 50 mg to 100 mg three times a day. Starting low helps reduce wind.
- If you skip a meal, skip that dose.
If you miss a dose: If you forget to take it with a meal, skip that dose and take the next one with your next meal.
If you use too much: Contact your doctor, a poison control centre or your local emergency number straight away, even if you feel fine. Take the pack with you.
How to store it: Keep it in its original pack at room temperature (below 25°C / 77°F), away from heat, damp and direct sunlight. Do not use it after the expiry date.
- QWill I need to take Precose forever?
- A
Type 2 diabetes is usually a long-term condition, so most people keep taking their medicine. Healthy changes to diet, activity and weight can sometimes reduce how much you need.
- QHow will I know if Precose is working?
- A
Your doctor will check your blood sugar and HbA1c (an average of your blood sugar over about 3 months). Some people also check their sugar at home.
- QWhy do I have so much wind on Precose?
- A
Undigested carbohydrate moves to the lower gut, where bacteria make gas. It usually gets better after a few weeks. Cutting down on sugary foods helps.
- QWhat should I use for a low sugar on Precose?
- A
Use glucose (dextrose) tablets or gel, not regular sugar, as acarbose slows how quickly normal sugar is absorbed.

Viktor Williams –
Quick review of my recent order. No delays at all with shipping. Very satisfied with how it all went.
Luna Weber –
I had a question about my Acarbose order and the support team replied fast. Packaging was clean and professional. Nothing negative to say, it was a good one.
Carlos Chauhan –
I needed to place an order in a hurry and this site made it easy. The customer team was respectful and answered everything I asked. The quantity was right and everything was accounted for. Overall very good, thanks.
Charlotte Zhou –
I have ordered Precose here before and this time was just as smooth. It was affordable and the total at checkout matched what I expected. Another good thing: the outer box was discreet and the inside was well arranged. Good communication, I always knew what was happening with my order. Would happily recommend it.
Ali Hansen –
I was a bit unsure at first, but ordering here worked out fine. My order showed up within the timeframe I was given. Everything was laid out clearly, so ordering felt stress free. It was a pleasant experience and I am glad I chose this site.
Sofia Mbeki –
Just got my order and everything went well. I appreciated the clear emails about my order. The packing was discreet and tidy.
Amina Rivera –
I placed an order last week and it was handled well. The total I saw at checkout was the total I paid. Delivery of my Acarbose was quicker than I thought it would be. Thanks for the easy experience!
Tunde Navarro –
This was my second order from the site. The item looked exactly like the listing. It was dispatched fast and reached me soon after. Pricing was reasonable and there were no hidden charges. I would order Precose here again.
Gabriela Cooper –
I got my Precose here and the experience was easy. The wrapping was solid, nothing shifted around in transit. The steps at checkout were easy to follow. I am glad I tried this site.