Glucobay (Acarbose)

Name: Glucobay
Brand: Generic
SKU: 7407
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

There is no brand product of Glucobay.

Generic Equivalent of Glucobay

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Acarbose

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 50 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Acarbose

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 100 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Glucobay Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on May 20, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Acarbose at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Brand Glucobay is currently unavailable (at this pharmacy).

Generic acarbose is available in many countries worldwide, including Canada. It is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Acarbose:

Generic acarbose contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Glucobay and is required to meet the same safety, effectiveness, and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Glucobay. Studies have demonstrated bioequivalence between generic and brand-name acarbose, meaning they have comparable absorption rates and overall effects. However, individual responses to any medication can vary. If you have any questions about using generic acarbose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, please refer to Access to Generic Drugs in Canada | Canada.ca

Dosage:

The generic acarbose is available as 50 mg and 100 mg oral tablets.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on the individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage:

Glucobay (acarbose) is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes (source: Details for: GLUCOBAY - Drug and Health Product Register). Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia. It occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or when the body's cells don't respond to the insulin that is produced (insulin resistance). This leads to glucose accumulating in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy. Acarbose is used together with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar to the desired range. Acarbose is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications to control the blood sugar and other symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Mechanism of Action:
Glucobay (acarbose) is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. It slows down the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates (starches and sugars) from food in the small intestine. By inhibiting these enzymes, the drug reduces the sharp rise in blood sugar levels that occurs after meals.

Take Glucobay exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Glucobay, it is essential to discuss all potential side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below is a partial list of side effects; individual reactions can vary. Before starting Glucobay, it is crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects – These are examples of some common side effects of Glucobay, but others are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Headache
• Nausea

Serious or rare side effects – Stop taking Glucobay and seek immediate medical attention right away if you experience any of the following:
• Allergic reactions, including angioedema, hives, and trouble breathing
• Liver problems, including severe abdominal pain, dark urine, nausea, appetite loss, unexplained fatigue, and yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, including severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, constipation, and mucus discharge from anus.
• Intestinal obstruction, including severe abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool.

Contraindications:

This is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. It is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Glucobay.

Glucobay should not be used if:
• Are allergic to acarbose or any of the inactive ingredients in Glucobay
• You have chronic intestinal disorders
• You have diabetic ketoacidosis
• You have malabsorption syndromes
• You have severe liver impairment
• You have severe renal impairment

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Glucobay. This is crucial because certain conditions can affect whether Glucobay is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• Kidney disease
• Liver enzyme elevations
• Stomach disorder

Alcohol:
It is advisable to limit alcohol consumption while taking Glucobay, as it may increase gastrointestinal side effects. Be aware that alcohol can also affect blood sugar levels, potentially complicating diabetes management.

Digestive Enzymes:
Avoid taking digestive enzymes like pancreatin, lipase, or amylase at the same time you take acarbose. These enzymes may make it harder for your body to absorb Glucobay.

Dizziness and Drowsiness:
Glucobay may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that require alertness until you understand how it affects you.

Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis:
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a serious, though rare, condition that can occur. Symptoms may include severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, constipation, and mucus discharge from the anus. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Glucobay, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete information about potential drug interactions, consult the product package insert | Bayer, and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Glucobay can interact with other medicines but is not limited to isoniazid, niacin, diuretics, birth control pills, phenytoin, prochlorperazine, prednisone, and levothyroxine.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

The safety of Glucobay during pregnancy has not been definitively established. Oral hypoglycemic agents like Glucobay are generally not recommended during pregnancy, and insulin is usually preferred for managing type 2 diabetes in pregnant women. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if acarbose passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking Glucobay.

Frequently Asked Questions about Glucobay at Canada Pharmacy Online

Why is Glucobay more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Glucobay, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs compared to the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

Can I cut or split a Glucobay tablet?

It is generally not recommended to cut, split, or chew Glucobay tablets. Crushing or breaking the tablets can lead to a rapid release of the drug and potentially cause adverse effects.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy focuses on getting you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I order from your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784. For additional information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many Glucobay tablets I am allowed to order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Glucobay at one time, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy Glucobay over the counter from you?

No, Glucobay requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

What is the difference between Glucobay 50 mg and 100 mg?

The difference in dosage represents the amount of active ingredient(s) present in the drug.

How to take Glucobay?

Take this medicine with the first bite of a main meal, usually three times a day.

Blog Posts:

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Latest News:

Effect of Acarbose and Vildagliptin on Plasma Trimethylamine N-oxide Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 6-month, Two-arm Randomized Controlled Trial (study published on April 6, 2025)

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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