Mignar-25

Uses
Mignar-25 (Miglitol) is used by patients with type 2 diabetes to control blood sugar levels and prevent hyperglycaemia from occurring after a meal has been consumed. The active ingredient in these tablets is an anti-diabetic drug belonging to a class of medicines referred to as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. When a meal is eaten, the carbohydrates are digested in the intestine into oligosaccharides (carbohydrates in a smaller form). This is achieved by the release of certain enzymes by the pancreas.

After this, these oligosaccharides may be further digested into glucose and other forms of sugars which can be easily absorbed into the blood. This digestion occurs in the small intestine. The active component in this medicine works by slowing the activity of the enzymes that help to digest the carbohydrates into oligosaccharides and glucose. As a result of this, it can help to prevent postprandial hyperglycaemia (high blood sugars occurring after eating food). By helping to better control diabetes, the risk of serious health complications may be decreased.

Dosage and Administration
Mignar-25 (Miglitol) is supplied as 25mg tablets which are administered orally in accordance with the dosage instructions provided by your doctor. Adults affected by type 2 diabetes are sometimes told by their doctor to take 25mg (one tablet) 3 times per day. The medicine should be administered at the start of each main meal. After a period of 4 to 8 weeks, the doctor may decide to increase the patient's dosage to 50mg taken 3 times per day so as to ensure that the most effective control over blood glucose levels is achieved.

Should this adjustment fail to achieve a satisfactory result, a further increase may be recommended by the doctor and the patient told to take 100mg of the medicine 3 times per day. However, if this increase does not improve the symptoms and the doctor deems that continued treatment is still required, the dosage may be reduced to 50mg administered 3 times per day so as to lower the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Patients should never adjust their dosage unless doing so under the instruction of their doctor.

Side effects
Treatment of diabetes with Mignar-25 (Miglitol) may cause some patients to experience side effects, such as:

• Nausea
• Flatulence
• Loose stools
• Soreness affecting the abdomen
• Gastrointestinal disturbances

While you are undergoing treatment with this medicine, it is important that your doctor is notified if any side effects occur. Treatment with this medicine may result in severe side effects which will need medical treatment as soon as possible. However, this is considered to be less common. See your doctor straight away if this happens.

Precautions
In rare cases, patients who take this drug may experience pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (a severe condition which affects the intestines). Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from any intestinal problems before beginning treatment. If you notice diarrhoea which is persistent, constipation or bloody stools, seek medical treatment immediately.

Regular blood tests will be needed to monitor your blood sugar levels.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Mignar-25 (Miglitol) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.