Voglibose is an antidiabetic agent that helps control your blood sugar. It is part of a drug class known as alpha glucosidase inhibitors. Voglibose works by blocking the intestinal enzyme α-glycosidase, which results in delayed breakdown and fewer absorbed carbohydrates and sugars. Thus, less post-meal (postprandial) blood sugar spikes.
Uses
What is voglibose used for?
This drug is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, or non-insulin dependent diabetes.
A small study showed good results in type 1 diabetes patients when taken with insulin and proper diet, however, it cannot be used alone to control blood sugar.
How should I take voglibose?
As an oral tablet, this product should only be taken by mouth. Because of its mechanism of action, voglibose should be taken right before meals. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How do I store voglibose?
Voglibose is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of voglibose that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. If necessary, consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using voglibose?
While taking this medication, you should continue to monitor your blood sugar regularly. Liver function tests may be checked as well.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There isn’t enough information about the safety of using voglibose during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking this drug.
Side effects
What side effects can occur from voglibose?
Like other medicines, voglibose can cause some side effects. If they do occur, the side effects are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and may require the individual to inform the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately.
Voglibose can cause side effects such as:
Not everyone experiences these side effects. Alternatively, there may be other side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with voglibose?
Voglibose may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.
So, to avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.
Take extra precaution if you are taking multiple blood sugar-lowering agents (e.g. metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas), as these may cause severe hypoglycemia when taken with voglibose.
Does food or alcohol interact with voglibose?
Voglibose may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. For example, eating carbohydrate-rich or sweet food may worsen symptoms of bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This is one reason, a healthy, low-carb diet is encouraged.
Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug or significantly altering your diet.
What health conditions may interact with voglibose?
Voglibose may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.
These health conditions are:
- Liver impairment or disease
- Kidney impairment or disease
- History of abdominal laparotomy or ileus
- Roemheld syndrome
- Stenosis
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using voglibose.
What is the dose of voglibose for an adult?
Take 200 mcg to 300 mcg (0.2 mg to 0.3 mg) three times a day, before meals.
Elderly/geriatric patients may require an adjusted dose, as instructed by a physician.
What is the dose of voglibose for a child?
The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. Therefore, it may be unsafe for your child.
That is why it is important to consult with your child’s pediatrician or a pharmacist for more information about this drug.
How is voglibose available?
Voglibose is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Oral tablets 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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