Does taking acarbose tablets mean I must never stop the medication?
Disease description:
I have been diagnosed with diabetes, and my doctor prescribed acarbose tablets. A friend told me that once I start taking acarbose tablets, I cannot stop them. Is it true that acarbose tablets must be taken continuously without interruption?
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Zhang Nan
It is possible that patients may not be able to discontinue acarbose tablets. Acarbose tablets are non-addictive and do not cause dependence, meaning patients will not experience difficulty discontinuing the medication due to dependency. However, in patients with severe diabetes, acarbose therapy must not be stopped abruptly, as this may lead to worsening of their condition. If a patient wishes to discontinue acarbose, they must do so only under the guidance of a physician, who will determine an appropriate alternative antihyperglycemic therapy.
