Generic Acarbose

Introduction

Acarbose is an oral glucose‑lowering medication used primarily in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to the class of α‑glucosidase inhibitors and is prescribed to help control post‑prandial (after‑meal) blood glucose spikes. In the United Kingdom the drug is available as a generic product and is recommended as an adjunct to diet, exercise and other antidiabetic agents when additional glycaemic control is needed.

What is Acarbose?

Acarbose is the generic version of the original brand Glucobay® (Bayer). Both formulations contain the same active compound, Acarbose, and act by the same pharmacological mechanism. Our online pharmacy supplies this generic alternative, providing a cost‑effective option without compromising therapeutic efficacy. Acarbose is classified as an α‑glucosidase inhibitor and was developed in the early 199s following extensive research into carbohydrate‑digestive enzymes. The medication is manufactured by several licensed pharmaceutical companies that meet European Medicines Agency (EMA) quality standards.

How Acarbose Works

Acarbose competitively inhibits α‑glucosidase enzymes located on the brush‑border of the small intestine. These enzymes normally hydrolyse complex carbohydrates into absorbable glucose molecules. By slowing this enzymatic cleavage, Acarbose delays carbohydrate absorption, thereby reducing the rise in blood glucose that follows meals. The onset of action occurs within 30 minutes of ingestion, and the effect persists for the duration of carbohydrate digestion (approximately 2–4 hours). The drug is minimally absorbed (<2 % of the dose), and the unchanged fraction is eliminated via the gastrointestinal tract, with renal excretion of the small absorbed amount.

Conditions Treated with Acarbose

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Post‑prandial hyperglycaemia contributes substantially to overall glycaemic burden; Acarbose specifically targets this component.
• Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) / Prediabetes. Clinical guidelines in the UK acknowledge that α‑glucosidase inhibition can delay progression to overt diabetes when combined with lifestyle modification.

In the UK an estimated 4.5 million adults have T2DM, and a substantial proportion experience post‑prandial excursions despite basal therapy. Adding Acarbose can improve HbA1c by .5–.8 % in such patients, according to meta‑analyses of randomized controlled trials.

Who is Acarbose For?

• Adults with T2DM who achieve sub‑optimal control of post‑prandial glucose despite metformin, sulfonylureas or basal insulin.
• Patients whose diet includes a high proportion of complex carbohydrates (e.g., cereals, breads, legumes) and who can adhere to a dosing schedule timed with meals.
• Individuals with prediabetes (IGT) who prefer a pharmacological adjunct to diet and exercise.

Acarbose is not recommended for:

• Patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) because accumulated drug may increase gastrointestinal adverse events.
• Those with inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, or chronic diarrhoea, as the medication can exacerbate these conditions.
• Children and adolescents, as efficacy and safety have not been established in these age groups.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Flatulence
• Abdominal bloating
• Diarrhoea (often loose, sometimes oily)
• Upper abdominal discomfort

These gastrointestinal events are dose‑related and usually diminish after 2–4 weeks of continued therapy.

Rare

• Hepatic enzyme elevation (ALT, AST) – monitor liver function in patients with pre‑existing liver disease.
• Skin rash or pruritus – may indicate hypersensitivity; discontinue if severe.

Serious

• Severe hypoglycaemia (rare, usually when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas). Patients should be educated on recognising low‑blood‑glucose symptoms and adjusting concomitant agents under medical supervision.
• Acute pancreatitis – reported infrequently; immediate medical evaluation required if abdominal pain radiates to the back with raised amylase/lipase.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Insulin / Sulfonylureas: additive glucose‑lowering effect; dose reduction of the insulin or sulfonylurea may be needed.
• Antacids containing aluminium/magnesium: may reduce Acarbose absorption; separate administration by at least 2 hours.
• Cimetidine: may increase systemic exposure to Acarbose; monitor for gastrointestinal tolerance.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Usual starting dose: 25 mg taken orally with the first bite of each main meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
• Titration: If tolerated, dose may be increased to 50 mg and then to 100 mg per meal, spaced at least 2 weeks apart. Maximum recommended total daily dose is 300 mg.
• Missed dose: If a meal is missed, skip the dose; do not take the missed tablet later in the day, as this could cause excessive gastrointestinal side effects.
• Overdose: Symptoms are limited to intense diarrhoea and flatulence. Patients should seek medical advice; no specific antidote exists, and treatment is supportive.
• Food & Alcohol: Acarbose must be taken at the start of a carbohydrate‑containing meal. Alcohol can potentiate hypoglycaemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas; moderation is advised.
• Comorbidities: In patients with chronic kidney disease, start at the lowest dose and monitor renal function regularly.

Buying Acarbose from Our Online Pharmacy

Acarbose can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We offer:

• Affordable pricing – generics are sourced close to manufacturer cost, providing substantial savings compared with branded options.
• Verified quality – all stock originates from licensed European suppliers that comply with EMA Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
• Guaranteed delivery – discreet, tracked packaging; express delivery within 7 days for the UK mainland, regular airmail typically arrives within 2–3 weeks.
• Online‑only access – our pharmacy broker service partners with overseas licensed pharmacies, enabling patients who have limited local availability to obtain the medication confidentially.

By ordering through our platform, patients receive a reliable, cost‑effective supply while maintaining privacy and regulatory compliance.

FAQ

• Is Acarbose available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The original brand‑name product is Glucobay®, produced by Bayer, while generic versions containing the same active compound Acarbose are sold by multiple manufacturers. Generic versions are typically less expensive and are interchangeable when prescribed.

• What is the recommended storage condition for Acarbose tablets?
  Store tablets at room temperature (15–30 °C), protected from direct sunlight, moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze, as moisture can affect tablet integrity.

• Can Acarbose be taken with other carbohydrate‑lowering agents such as metformin?
  Acarbose is frequently prescribed alongside metformin to target both fasting and post‑prandial glucose. No pharmacokinetic interaction is known, but clinicians may adjust doses based on overall glycaemic response.

• How does Acarbose differ from newer agents like SGLT2 inhibitors?
  Acarbose acts locally in the gut to delay carbohydrate absorption, whereas SGLT2 inhibitors increase renal glucose excretion. Their mechanisms are complementary, and combination therapy may be considered in refractory cases.

• Are there specific dietary recommendations while using Acarbose?
  The drug should be taken at the start of a meal containing carbohydrates. Consuming very low‑carbohydrate meals may reduce its effectiveness, while very high‑carbohydrate meals can increase gastrointestinal side effects. Balanced meals with complex carbs are optimal.

• What colour and imprint do the standard Acarbose tablets have?
  In the UK, the common 25 mg tablet is white, round, and imprinted with “ACB 25”. Higher strengths may differ in colour and size depending on the manufacturer.

• Is it legal to import Acarbose for personal use into the UK?
  Personal importation of medicines for personal use is permitted under UK law, provided the quantity does not exceed a three‑month supply and the product is sourced from a reputable, licensed pharmacy. Our online pharmacy adheres to these regulations.

• Does Acarbose have any known effects on laboratory test results?
  The drug may cause mild elevations in liver enzymes, which could be reflected in routine blood panels. It does not interfere with glucose or HbA1c assay accuracy.

• Are there any known differences in formulation between the EU and Asian markets?
  Formulations are generally comparable, as the active ingredient and excipients meet international pharmacopeial standards. However, some Asian versions include additional flavouring agents to mask the bitter taste, which are not present in most EU products.

• What should a traveller do if they need Acarbose while abroad?
  Carry the medication in its original labelled container, along with a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s letter in case customs request documentation. Keep the tablets in a carry‑on bag to avoid temperature extremes in checked luggage.

Glossary

α‑Glucosidase inhibitor

A class of oral antidiabetic agents that block enzymes responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into glucose within the small intestine.

Post‑prandial hyperglycaemia

An elevation of blood glucose levels occurring after a meal, commonly defined as a glucose rise above 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) within two hours of eating.

eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

A calculation based on serum creatinine, age, sex and ethnicity that approximates kidney filtering capacity; used to adjust drug dosing in renal impairment.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

International quality standards that ensure pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality specifications.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Acarbose is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Acarbose for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.