Glyset

(Miglitol)

The generic name of Glyset is miglitol.

Miglitol belongs to the drug class called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. It works mainly in the small intestine by blocking enzymes that normally break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars like glucose. Because these enzymes are slowed down, carbohydrates from your main meal are digested and absorbed more slowly. This mechanism of action helps lower blood glucose levels after eating and improves overall glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Glyset. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Glyset:

• Take Glyset by mouth three times a day at the start of each main meal (with the first bite).
• Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based on your blood sugar response and how well you tolerate the medicine, up to a maximum of 100 mg three times daily.
• Glyset should be taken together with a diabetic meal plan. Following your diet and exercise plan is essential for the medicine to work properly.
• Swallow the tablet with a little water at the beginning of your main meals that contain carbohydrates.
• This medicine is not used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Your healthcare provider will check your blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c regularly to see how Glyset is affecting your diabetes control.
• If you miss a dose and you are still eating your meal, take it as soon as you remember. If the meal is already finished, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the next main meal. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.

Some mild or common side effects of Glyset seen in clinical trials include:

• Gas.
• Diarrhea.
• Stomach pain.
• Upset stomach.
• Mild skin rash.
• Low serum iron levels on blood tests, usually without symptoms.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Glyset. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Low blood sugar, especially if taken with other diabetes medications.
• Severe stomach pain, abdominal swelling, or signs of bowel blockage.
• Symptoms that could suggest pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (gas cysts in the bowel wall) such as abdominal pain, constipation, and rectal mucus discharge or bleeding.
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, including hives, skin rash that worsens, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of miglitol. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Glyset, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
• Colonic ulceration or partial intestinal obstruction, or you are at risk of intestinal obstruction.
• Any history of intestinal blockage, bowel surgery, or serious gastrointestinal disease.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires urgent treatment with insulin and is not treated with Glyset.
• Kidney disease or significantly reduced kidney function.
• A known allergy to miglitol or any ingredients in Glyset tablets.

Glyset should not be used in the following situations:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Ulcers in the colon.
• Intestinal blockage.
• Digestion of absorption issues.
• Known hypersensitivity to miglitol or any component of the tablet.

Glyset starts working with the first dose because it acts locally in the intestine at the time of your meal. It mainly affects blood sugar levels after meals (postprandial blood glucose).

When Glyset is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Sulfonylureas and insulin: Using Glyset with these diabetes medications can increase the blood sugar–lowering effect and raise the risk of hypoglycemia. Dose adjustment of the sulfonylurea or insulin may be needed.
• Metformin.
• Digoxin.
• Ranitidine and propranolol: Miglitol may reduce the bioavailability of ranitidine and propranolol, which could lessen their effect.
• Intestinal adsorbents (for example, charcoal) and digestive enzyme preparations containing carbohydrate-splitting enzymes such as amylase or pancreatin: These may reduce the effect of Glyset and generally should not be taken at the same time.

Glyset is available as oral tablets containing miglitol in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.

The dose is individualized based on your blood sugar levels, tolerance, and other diabetes medications you may be taking.

The usual maximum dose is 100 mg three times daily, taken at the start of each main meal.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Glyset tablets are manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Yes. Miglitol is available as a generic medication in several strengths.

Glyset is usually part of a long-term plan for managing type 2 diabetes. You should not stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Miglitol passes into human breast milk in very small amounts, which would expose a nursing infant to only a tiny fraction of the dose taken by the mother. Even so, the prescribing information recommends that Glyset not be used in nursing women because of limited safety data in infants.