A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
This medicine is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor used along with diet, exercise, and sometimes other medicine to treat diabetes.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. It is important to take this medicine with the first bite of each meal. Taking this medicine too long before meals prevents it from working properly. IF YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE with another oral medicine for diabetes, be sure you understand you must use glucose to treat a low blood sugar reaction. With this medicine, sucrose (table sugar) products cannot treat low blood sugar reactions. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes cold and allergy medicines, vitamins, and medicines used to help with digestion. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.