Alogliptin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (gradual loss of capacity of the pancreas to produce enough insulin). This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in control.
This medicine is meant to be used as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar.
Take Alogliptin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Alogliptin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have type 1 diabetes (your body does not produce any insulin) or diabetes ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body) as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- inflammation of the pancreas
- heart disease e.g. moderate to severe heart failure
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for a dental treatment, inform your dentist that you are taking Alogliptin.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood sugar may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it.
- Your doctor may also need to do routine blood tests to make sure your liver and kidneys are normal before and while you are being treated with Alogliptin.
If you are using this medicine with other types of oral anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Alogliptin does not usually cause hypoglycaemia, but it may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of other oral anti-diabetic medicines.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking – these signs are your body’s way of warning you that your blood sugar level is dangerously low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia could worsen and you might faint.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take a tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If you don’t have glucose tablets, you can take a drink or food containing sugar (e.g. fruit juice, soda, candy) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help.
Alogliptin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, stomach pain, rash, and signs of upper respiratory trach infection such as coughing, runny nose or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and fever.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe joint pain
- large fluid-filled blisters
- signs and symptoms of pancreatitis: persistent and severe stomach pain radiating to your back, nausea, vomiting, fever
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, lips or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be taken past the expiry date.
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