Why do I need Precose?
Precose is one of six types of diabetes pills currently available to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps keep your blood glucose within your target range.
Remember, the cornerstone of diabetes control remains unchanged: it is important to follow a meal plan and to get plenty of physical activity. Diabetes pills are simply another tool to help you manage your blood glucose.
How does Precose work?
- Precose slows the digestion of carbohydrate (sugars and starches) in the small intestine.
- Precose decreases peaks in blood glucose levels that occur after eating by delaying absorption of carbohydrates (sugar and starches) into the bloodstream.
- When used alone, Precose does not cause low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). If used in combination with some diabetes medications hypoglycemia may occur.
Guidelines for use
- You should take the prescribed dose with the FIRST BITE of each main meal.
- A small dose will be started and your healthcare provider will gradually increase it as needed.
- Your healthcare provider may want you to combine Precose with another type of diabetes pill. Since Precose works differently than the other diabetes pills, it will not interfere with their action. Combined with these pills, Precose may further improve your control.
What should I do if I forget to take my dose?
If you have forgotten to take your Precose, wait until your next scheduled meal and take the usual dose. Write down that you missed a dose in your record book. Do not take 2 doses at the next meal.
Can I take Precose with other medications?
Most medications interact safely with Precose. However, always remind your healthcare provider what medicines you are taking and when there is a change in your medications. This will help ensure the combinations are safe. Ask if the new medication will affect your diabetes.
What are the side effects of Precose?
Common side effects are:
- Intestinal gas
- Stomach upset
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
These symptoms should go away over time. Call your healthcare provider if you experience severe discomfort or if these side effects last longer than a few weeks.
How do I treat a low blood glucose when taking Precose?
Precose alone does not cause low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Hypoglycemia may occur if you take sulfonylureas or insulin along with Precose. When hypoglycemia occurs, you need to treat it with: 3-4 glucose tablets or 10 ounces of milk (lactose) rather than sucrose (table sugar).
Sucrose is not recommended to treat hypoglycemia because Precose slows the digestion of this sugar.
Who should NOT take Precose?
- People with any type of bowel disease, liver dysfunction, or significant kidney disease should not take this drug.
- The safety of Precose in pregnant women has not been established. A woman needs to immediately tell her healthcare provider if she becomes pregnant or if she is planning to become pregnant so that the right medication can be prescribed.
How will I know it is working?
Check blood glucose level 1 hour after meals. If your blood glucose or A1C is within target most of the time, the dose is working. If not, first review the amount and types of food eaten. If blood glucose remains high for a few weeks, contact your healthcare provider. A change in dose may be needed. | 
