Alogliptin/Metformin (By mouth)
al-oh-GLIP-tin BEN-zoe-ate, met-FOR-min hye-droe-KLOR-ide
Treats type 2 diabetes.
Drug classes
Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Alogliptin and metformin combination may be used alone or together with other medicines and with a proper diet and exercise to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. Alogliptin helps to control blood sugar levels by increasing substances in the body that make the pancreas release more insulin. It also signals the liver to stop producing sugar (glucose) when there is too much sugar in the blood. Metformin reduces the absorption of sugar from the stomach, reduces the release of stored sugar from the liver, and helps your body use sugar better. This medicine does not help patients who have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how alogliptin/metformin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Acetazolamide, cimetidine, dichlorphenamide, digoxin, , morphine, niacin, phenytoin, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, topiramate, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycin, zonisamide Insulin or other diabetes medicine Blood pressure medicine, including beta-blocker medicineSome medicines may affect your blood sugar level, including a diuretic (water pill), birth control pills, corticosteroid (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone), phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine), thyroid medicine, niacin, and isoniazid.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while you are using this medicine. Too much alcohol increases your risk of lactic acidosis
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to alogliptin or metformin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, heart disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, adrenal or pituitary gland disease, or a history of alcohol abuse or pancreas problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Lactic acidosis (rare problem with too much acid in the blood, which can be life-threatening) Pancreatitis Liver damage Low levels of vitamin B12 Low blood sugar levelsMake sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an x-ray or a CT scan.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast breathing, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, or confusion
Paleness, feeling tired or weak
Severe joint pain
Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, faintness, hunger, confusion
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Kazano
There may be other brand names for this medicine.