Alogliptin and Metformin are combined in this medicine.
Alogliptin + Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under 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.
Take this medicine together with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.
Alogliptin + Metformin 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 the following conditions:
- metabolic acidosis (a condition when there is too much acid in the blood) including diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes)
- alcoholism or excessive alcohol intake
- heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood) or recent heart attack
- severe breathing difficulties
- condition that may affect renal function e.g. severe infection, dehydration
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease
as Alogliptin + Metformin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of heart failure
- history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- stress-related state e.g. fever, trauma
- history of angioedema (swelling of the deep layers of the skin usually around the face, throat, and lips) due to the use of other medicines for diabetes similar to Alogliptin e.g. sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Alogliptin + Metformin to an elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, or any examination which involves an injection of contrast media that contains iodine (e.g. x-ray), inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney and liver function, sugar levels, other blood tests) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of heart failure, pancreatitis, metabolic acidosis, and liver problems may also be needed.
To help control your diabetes, it is important to continue following the diet and exercise recommended by your doctor while you are taking Alogliptin + Metformin.
If you are taking this medicine with other types of oral anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
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, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after the second serving.
Alogliptin + Metformin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, heartburn (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth), vomiting, back pain, itchy skin, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and fever.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of liver problems e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis (a condition when there is too much lactic acid in the blood) e.g. vomiting, stomach pain, extreme tiredness or weakness, unusual muscle pain, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, dizziness or lightheadedness
- severe joint pain
- large fluid-filled blisters
- signs and symptoms of pancreatitis e.g. persistent and severe stomach pain radiating to your back, nausea, vomiting
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, 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.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, glipizide, glimepiride, glibenclamide
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- certain medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. topiramate, zonisamide, phenytoin
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. celecoxib
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- dolutegravir (medicine for HIV infection)
- vandetanib (medicine for thyroid cancer)
- isoniazid (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- birth control pills
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.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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