Alogliptin + Metformin is used 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.
Alogliptin + Metformin is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Alogliptin + Metformin 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.
This medicine should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Alogliptin + Metformin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue to take 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 miss a dose, do not take the missed dose in between meals. Take only at your next scheduled dose and meal. DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- moderate to severe kidney disease
- acute or chronic metabolic acidosis (excessive acid production in the body e.g. lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis)
as Alogliptin + Metformin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart failure
- previous inflammation of the pancreas
- liver disease
- stress related states e.g. fever, trauma, infection, surgery
You are more likely to develop lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid accumulation in the body) while you are being treated with Alogliptin + Metformin. You may be having lactic if you feel like vomiting or if you experience stomach pain, extreme tiredness, unusual muscle pain, drowsiness, breathlessness or dizziness.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to an elderly. The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Alogliptin + Metformin.
If you are going for diagnostic tests (e.g. urine tests, imaging procedures), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
If you are taking Alogliptin + Metformin with other types of oral anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). This medicine itself does not usually cause hypoglycemia, 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 hypoglycemia 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 recognize these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycemia could worsen and you might faint.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
You should take a drink or food containing sugar (e.g. fruit juice, soft drinks or sweets) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help. Keep some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you at all times.
Alogliptin + Metformin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, back pain, rash, itchy skin, and signs of upper respiratory tract 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
- signs of infections of the urinary tract e.g. fever, chills, back pain, burning sensation when passing urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for water retention “water pills” e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- stomach medicines e.g. cimetidine
- medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure e.g. captopril
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, glipizide, glimepiride, glibenclamide
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. topiramate, zonisamide
- medicines for pain and inflammation (NSAIDs) e.g. celecoxib
- medicines for tuberculosis or TB e.g. isoniazid
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Alogliptin + Metformin.
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 used past the expiry date.
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