Proper Use of This Medicine

Follow carefully the special meal plan your doctor gave you . This is the most important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.

For this medicine to work properly it must be taken at the beginning of each main meal .

Dosing—The dose of acarbose will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of acarbose. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For type 2 diabetes:
    • Adults—At first the dose is 25 milligrams (mg) three times a day, at the start of each main meal. Your dose may then be adjusted by your doctor.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—It is important that you do not miss any doses . However, if you finish a meal and you have forgotten to take the medicine, do not take the missed dose. Instead, take the next dose at the beginning of your next meal, as scheduled. Do not double doses .

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.