
January 14, 2008
Pills for Diabetes, Type 2
Question from India:
We have to take acarbose with the first bite of a meal and we often forget to take it. Is there a drug we can take before or after meals? Would Xenical work? When should it be taken?
Answer:
Xenical should also be taken at the beginning of the meal for maximum efficiency. The medication has to be in the gut in order for it to work when the food arrives. It does not mean it is dangerous if taken afterwards. It just means it will not work very well. There are diabetes-specific medications that can be taken that are not critical in their timing. You need to talk with your doctor about the other medications that are available as there are many issues related to selecting a medication, in addition to the issue of their timing with the meal.
JTL