Glyset

Glyset is used in the patients with diabetes type 2 in order to control the blood sugar levels. Normally, insulin is released into the body after meals, which help in decreasing the blood sugar level.

In people with diabetes, insulin is not released and it results in higher blood sugar levels. High levels of blood sugar can cause harmful effects to the body in the long run.

Proper diet control is the first line management of diabetes. Miglitol slows the digestion and absorption of sugars in the gut and allows your body to gradually decrease the blood sugar level.

Another anti-diabetic drug can also be combined with miglitol in order to achieve a more potent control of blood sugar.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Tablet

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Glyset. So, the benefits of a drug should always be weighed against its associated risks. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.
• Age-specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children. The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, that would limit the use of this drug in old age group.
• Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “B” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have not revealed any harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.
• Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together. So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

Glyset should be used cautiously with following drugs:

• Besifloxacin
• Balofloxacin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Fleroxacin
• Enoxacin
• Flumequine
• Gemifloxacin
• Gatifloxacin
• Levofloxacin
• Lanreotide
• Lomefloxacin
• Nadifloxacin
• Moxifloxacin
• Octreotide
• Norfloxacin
• Ofloxacin
• Pazufloxacin
• Pasireotide
• Pefloxacin
• Rufloxacin
• Prulifloxacin
• Tosufloxacin
• Sparfloxacin

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from, especially:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Digestion problems
• Kidney disease—Higher levels of miglitol may result and a smaller dose may be needed
• Intestinal blockage

To use Glyset properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. This drug will work effectively if it is taken in combination with controlled diet plan and good exercise. Test your blood sugar regularly. This drug works best if it is taken with the first bite of every major meal.

To avoid adverse effects, this drug should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time. Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide. This medicine should be taken with food in order to enhance its absorption in the gut.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage

This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed.

If you take Glyset, your doctor should perform routine checkups and advise you in taking precautions.

If you start having chest pain or discomfort; nausea; pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck; shortness of breath; sweating; or vomiting while you are using this medicine, check with you doctor right away. These may be symptoms of a serious heart problem, like a heart attack.

It is very important to follow carefully any instructions from your doctor about:

• Alcohol—because drinking alcohol may cause low blood sugar levels.
• Travel— tell your doctor about your recent prescription and your medical history. Keep all the records with you. Be prepared for an emergency as you would normally. Make allowances for changing time zones and keep your meal times as close as possible to your usual meal times.
• Counseling—Family members of the patient need to learn how to prevent side effects or help with side effects if they occur. Furthermore, counseling regarding contraception and pregnancy may be needed because of the problems that can occur in patients with diabetes during pregnancy.
• Regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. It is important to allow your doctor to monitor your progress and to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication. Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. The doctor may order some blood tests in order to determine the blood levels of the drug. 

You should also have the knowledge of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Check your blood sugar instantly and contact your doctor.

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Glyset. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• bloated full feeling
• the increase in bowel movements
• excess air or gas in stomach or intestines
• loose stools
• soft stools
• passing gas
• skin rash
• stomach or abdomen pain

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on lanthanum. Also contact your health care professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.

If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.