PRECOSE
Used for Type 2 Diabetes
Are you tired of high medication costs? Our service offers unbeatable savings on your PRECOSE 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 Bayer Healthcare
*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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PRECOSE key facts
What is PRECOSE?
PRECOSE is the brand name for acarbose and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is PRECOSE available in?
PRECOSE is available as a 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg oral tablet.
What is PRECOSE used for?
PRECOSE is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
How does PRECOSE work?
PRECOSE is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. It 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 PRECOSE?
PRECOSE is typically given with a starting dose of 25 mg three times daily by mouth taken with the first bite with each main meal. The typical maintenance dose is 50 mg to 100 mg three times daily by mouth taken with the first bite with each main meal. Your provider will adjust your dose based on whether you’re having side effects and how well the medication is working to control your blood sugar levels.
Is it safe for me to take PRECOSE?
PRECOSE 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 if you have a known hypersensitivity to the drug. Precose is contraindicated in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or cirrhosis. PRECOSE is also contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, colonic ulceration, partial intestinal obstruction or in patients predisposed to intestinal obstruction.
In addition, PRECOSE is contraindicated in patients who have chronic intestinal diseases associated with marked disorders of digestion or absorption and in patients who have conditions that may deteriorate as a result of increased gas formation in the intestine.
PRECOSE Common Side Effects
Common side effects of PRECOSE:
- Excessive gas
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
PRECOSE Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with PRECOSE.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on PRECOSE
The following medications may interact with PRECOSE:
- Patients Receiving Sulfonylureas or Insulin: Sulfonylurea agents or insulin may cause hypoglycemia. PRECOSE given in combination with a sulfonylurea or insulin may cause a further lowering of blood glucose and may increase the potential for hypoglycemia. If hypoglycemia occurs, appropriate adjustments in the dosage of these agents should be made
- Intestinal adsorbents (for example, charcoal) and digestive enzyme preparations containing carbohydrate-splitting enzymes (for example, amylase, pancreatin) may reduce the effect of PRECOSE and should not be taken concomitantly
- PRECOSE has been shown to change the bioavailability of digoxin when they are coadministered, which may require digoxin dose adjustment
Who makes PRECOSE?
Bayer Healthcare
Is PRECOSE safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if PRECOSE will harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.
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 PRECOSE prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your PRECOSE prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE | Canadian Prescription Savings* for PRECOSE | PRECOSE Drug Coupon* | PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for PRECOSE | Canadian Prescription Savings* for PRECOSE | PRECOSE Drug Coupon* | PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE, 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 PRECOSE prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can 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, 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 PRECOSE 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?
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 PRECOSE
If you are having trouble paying for your PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE
- If PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE
If you are having trouble paying for your PRECOSE medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE
- If PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE
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 PRECOSE 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 PRECOSE you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for PRECOSE
- 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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You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
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