acarbose
Used for Type 2 Diabetes
Are you tired of high medication costs? Our service offers unbeatable savings on your acarbose prescription medication. We provide a range of solutions to help you save up to 100% on your medication costs*. Whether you are insured, uninsured, underinsured, or simply looking to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, we've got you covered.
Manufactured by various FDA-approved generic manufacturers.
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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Lower the cost of your acarbose prescription
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acarbose key facts
What dosages is acarbose available in?
acarbose is available as a 50 mg and 100 mg oral tablet.
What is acarbose used for?
acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
How does acarbose work?
acarbose temporarily blocks a protein called alpha-glucosidase, which slows down the digestion of carbohydrates in your gut. As a result, your body will absorb less sugar from the foods that you eat. And this leads to lower blood sugar levels after you eat.
How do I take acarbose?
acarbose is typically started at a low dose and then gradually increased. The average
adult dose is 100 mg acarbose three times daily. A further increase to 200 mg acarbose three
times daily may occasionally be necessary.
Is it safe for me to take acarbose?
acarbose is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following.
Hypersensitivity to acarbose and/or any of the inactive tablet constituents, pregnancy and lactation.
acarbose should not be used in patients under 18 years of age.
acarbose is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <
25 mL/min).
acarbose should not be used in patients with gastrointestinal disorders associated with
malabsorption. It should not be used in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative
colitis and Crohn’s disease.
acarbose should not be used in patients with partial intestinal obstruction, or in patients predisposed
to intestinal obstruction or ileus.
Similarly, acarbose should not be used in conditions that could be aggravated by an increased
formation of intestinal gas (e.g. Roemhelds syndrome, major hernias, intestinal obstruction and intestinal
ulcers).
acarbose Common Side Effects
- Common side effects of acarbose:
- Excessive gas
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
acarbose Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with acarbose.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on acarbose
- The following medications may interact with acarbose:
- Oral antidiabetic agents: When acarbose is prescribed in addition to existing treatment with
- sulfonylureas, or metformin, the dosage of the sulfonylurea or metformin must be appropriately reduced
- should the blood glucose levels fall in the hypoglycaemic range. In individual cases hypoglycaemiarelated impairment of consciousness may occur.
- Neomycin: Due to neomycin-induced malabsorption of carbohydrate, concomitant administration of
- neomycin may lead to an enhanced reduction of postprandial blood glucose and to an increase in the
- frequency and severity of gastrointestinal adverse reactions. If the symptoms are severe, a temporary
- dose reduction of acarbose may be warranted.
- Cholestyramine: The concomitant administration of cholestyramine may enhance the effects of
- acarbose, particularly the reduction of postprandial insulin levels. If both acarbose and
- cholestyramine therapy are withdrawn simultaneously, caution should be exercised as a rebound
- phenomenon has been observed in non-diabetic subjects.
- Digoxin: In individual cases, acarbose may affect digoxin bioavailability, which may require dose
- adjustment of digoxin.
- Intestinal Adsorbents: On the basis of general considerations, the simultaneous use of intestinal
- adsorbents (e.g. charcoal), and digestive enzyme preparations (e.g. amylase, pancreatin) may reduce the
- effect of acarbose and should be avoided wherever possible.
- Antacids: The concomitant administration of acarbose and antacids does not alter the effect of
- acarbose. The administration of antacid preparations is unlikely to ameliorate the gastrointestinal
- symptoms of acarbose and therefore should not be recommended for this purpose.
Who makes acarbose?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is acarbose safe in pregnancy?
acarbose should not be administered during pregnancy as no information from controlled clinical
studies is available on its use in pregnant women.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effectsDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my acarbose prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your acarbose prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient acarbose savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient acarbose savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for acarbose | Canadian Prescription Savings* for acarbose | acarbose Drug Coupon* | acarbose Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of acarbose?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for acarbose | Canadian Prescription Savings* for acarbose | acarbose Drug Coupon* | acarbose Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the acarbose savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the acarbose drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for acarbose, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the acarbose prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, acarbose is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed acarbose for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the acarbose prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the acarbose prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for acarbose
If you are having trouble paying for your acarbose medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for acarbose you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- acarbose is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers acarbose
- If acarbose is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for acarbose
If you are having trouble paying for your acarbose medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for acarbose you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers acarbose
- If acarbose is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for acarbose
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your acarbose treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for acarbose you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for acarbose
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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