Voglibose
About Voglibose
Voglibose belongs to the group of anti-diabetic medicines called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors used to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus. Voglibose is prescribed for the condition of type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone cannot control their blood sugar levels. Type-2 diabetes mellitus is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Diabetes is a medical condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal.
Voglibose contains Voglibose, which works by inhibiting the intestinal enzymes responsible for breaking complex sugars into simple sugars like glucose. Thereby, it helps in preventing blood glucose levels from rising immediately after meals.
You are advised to take Voglibose for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Voglibose may cause common side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, flatulence (gas), skin reactions, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to consult your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Please do not skip any doses or stop taking Voglibose suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to increased blood glucose levels. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Voglibose should not be given to children unless prescribed by a doctor. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Voglibose as it might increase side effects. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Voglibose
• Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Voglibose helps lower blood sugar levels in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
• Improvement of Insulin Sensitivity: Voglibose enhances the action of insulin, making the body's tissues more responsive to it.
• Reduction of Cardiovascular Risks: Regular use of Voglibose can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients.
• Control of Blood Sugar Levels Post Meals: Voglibose assists in lowering postprandial blood sugar spikes, which is beneficial for overall diabetes management.
Medicinal Benefits
- Voglibose contains Voglibose, an anti-diabetic medicine from the class of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.
- It works by inhibiting intestinal enzymes that break down complex sugars into simple sugars like glucose, thereby preventing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels after meals.
- Helps control post-meal blood sugar spikes, improving overall blood sugar management.
- Supports better glycemic control, reducing fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
- Complements diet and exercise when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.
- Reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as nerve, kidney, and eye problems.
- Acts locally in the intestine, with minimal absorption into the bloodstream, lowering systemic side effects.
- Safe for long-term use as part of a prescribed diabetes treatment plan.
Directions for Use
- Voglibose can be taken with or without food or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow Voglibose as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Voglibose
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Flatulence (wind)
- Skin reactions
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Voglibose if you are allergic to it or any of its components.
- Inform your doctor if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal ulcers, partial intestinal obstruction, digestion or absorption disorders, kidney problems, or liver problems.
- Consult your doctor before using Voglibose if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Voglibose should not be given to children unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.
- Avoid alcohol while taking Voglibose, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
- Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or health conditions to prevent harmful drug interactions or unwanted effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Voglibose may interact with antidiabetics (metformin, insulin), pain killers (aspirin), thyroid hormone (levothyroxine), anti-HIV drugs (zidovudine), asthma medicine (theophylline), and blood thinners (warfarin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Voglibose as it causes unpleasant side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal ulcer or partial intestinal obstructions, disorders of digestion or absorption, with conditions that may deteriorate as a result of increased gas formation in the intestine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Voglibose to prevent unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether pregnant women can take Voglibose or not.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether Voglibose can be given to breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Voglibose affects your ability to drive. Drive and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Voglibose should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Voglibose should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment/kidney disease. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionVoglibose should not be taken by children unless prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a Balanced Diet: Include whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits with a low glycemic index, and healthy fats. Avoid refined sugar, sweets, and high-calorie junk food.
- Control Carbohydrate Intake: Distribute carb consumption evenly throughout the day to prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Helps maintain steady glucose levels and avoid excessive hunger.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water daily, and limit sugary drinks or high-calorie beverages.
- Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, or yoga) on most days of the week.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Helps improve insulin sensitivity and overall diabetes control.
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These can worsen blood sugar control and increase the risk of complications.
- Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Check your glucose levels regularly as advised by your doctor to track treatment effectiveness.
- Take Your Medication Correctly: Do not skip, change the dose, or stop taking Voglibose unless advised by your doctor.
- Consult Your Doctor Regularly: Follow-up visits are essential to adjust diet, medication, or treatment plans based on your blood sugar readings.
Special Advise
- Regularly monitor blood glucose levels while taking Voglibose.
- Try not to skip any doses and take Voglibose for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you.
- Your doctor may advise you to get regular tests to check for liver functioning.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type-2 diabetes mellitus: It is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It is a chronic or lifelong disease that keeps the body from utilizing insulin properly. Diabetes is a medical condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal. Insulin is the hormone which controls sugar levels in the blood. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced cannot perform its function in the body (insulin resistance). Middle-aged or older individuals are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, hence it is also known as adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes symptoms include lack of energy, tiredness, frequent urination, excess thirst, dry mouth, blurry vision, constant hunger, weight loss, and itchy skin.
FAQs
Voglibose is used to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus when diet and exercise alone cannot control blood sugar levels.
Voglibose works inhibiting the intestinal enzymes responsible for breaking complex sugars into simple sugars like glucose. Thereby, it helps in preventing blood glucose levels from rising immediately after meals.
Voglibose when used in combination with other anti-diabetic medicines may cause low blood glucose levels. Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels while taking Voglibose to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).
Please do not stop taking Voglibose on your own as it may cause a rise in blood glucose levels. Continue taking Voglibose for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Voglibose.
Do not use Voglibose after expiry. Expiry refers to the last date that the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of the drug. Check the expiry date from time to time and properly discard Voglibose after expiry or return it to your pharmacist for proper disposal.
Symptoms of diabetes include feeling hungry, tiredness, feeling thirsty, dry skin, urinating often, weight loss, blurry vision, sores that heal slowly, numbness & tingling sensations and having more infections than usual.
Keep you blood sugar levels under control, avoid walking bare foot, wash your feet regularly, cut your nails carefully, wear clean & dry socks and use shoes that fit correctly.
Take Voglibose before food as it lowers your post-meal blood sugar levels.
Voglibose may not cause weight loss. Maintain proper weight by eating healthy food. Consult the doctor if you notice weight loss.
Voglibose should be swallowed as a whole with water; do not crush or chew it.
Other diabetes medicines can be taken with Voglibose if prescribed by the doctor. However, taking Voglibose in combination with other anti-diabetic medicines may cause low blood glucose levels. Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels.
If you miss a dose of Voglibose take it as soon as you remember, However, if it is almost time for the scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time.
Voglibose may cause common side-effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, flatulence (gas), skin reactions, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women can take Voglibose if prescribed by the doctor. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
