Any drug can cause side effects, so can Glucobay®. It is important to take side effects very seriously and it is strongly recommended that you talk to your Doctor about potential side effects of Glucobay® and that you report all potential signs for side effects to him or her.

Glucobay® may cause abdominal discomfort during the early phase of treatment

If side effects occur with Glucobay®, they usually develop during the first few weeks of therapy. They are most commonly mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal effects, such as flatulence, diarrhea or abdominal discomfort and generally diminish in frequency and intensity with time.

If abdominal discomfort occurs, a reduction in the dose usually clears it up.

However, you should ask your Doctor for advice. He or she may reduce the daily dose of Glucobay® and may also recommend to reduce the proportion of carbohydrates in your meals to avoid undesired abdominal effects.

Glucobay itself does not cause hypoglycemia

Glucobay® itself does not cause hypoglycemia even when administered to patients in the fasted state. Sulfonylurea drugs and insulin, however, can lower blood sugar levels enough to cause symptoms or sometimes life-threatening hypoglycemia. Because Glucobay® given in combination with a sulfonylurea or insulin will cause a further lowering of blood sugar, it may increase the hypoglycemic potential of these agents.