Uses
What is alogliptin used for?
Alogliptin is used with diet and exercise to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Alogliptin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does alogliptin work (mechanism of action)?
Alogliptin works to help keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high. Alogliptin blocks an enzyme called DPP-4. Blocking DPP-4 helps increase the levels of natural hormones in your body called incretins. Incretins help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin levels, especially after meals. They also decrease the amount of blood sugar that is made by the liver.
How is alogliptin supplied (dosage forms)?
Alogliptin is available as Nesina and generic alogliptin in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 6.25 mg oral tablets
- 12.5 mg oral tablets
- 25 mg oral tablets
How should I store alogliptin?
Alogliptin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of alogliptin?
The most common side effects of alogliptin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Stuffy/runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Symptoms of a cold or sinus infection
There may be other side effects of alogliptin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of alogliptin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of alogliptin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Alogliptin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using alogliptin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Alogliptin can cause low blood sugar (especially if used with other diabetes medicines), which can be serious and may lead to death. The doses of your other diabetes medicines may need to be changed when taken with alogliptin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Seizures
Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Alogliptin may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking alogliptin and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Heart Failure. Alogliptin may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Unusual tiredness
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking alogliptin. Stop taking alogliptin and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Severe Joint Pain. Alogliptin may cause joint pain that can be severe. Call your healthcare provider if you have new or increased joint pain while taking this medicine.
Severe Skin Reactions. Alogliptin can cause a rare skin reaction called bullous pemphigoid. This reaction may start as an itchy skin rash and large blisters may form on the skin. You may need treatment in a hospital if this reaction happens. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash or blisters on the skin.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use alogliptin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use alogliptin.
- Nesina
- Alogliptin
- Any other medicine that contains alogliptin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in alogliptin.
Type 1 Diabetes. Alogliptin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.
What should I know about alogliptin before using it?
Do not take alogliptin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share alogliptin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep alogliptin out of the reach of children.
Do not cut or split alogliptin tablets.
Certain conditions that cause increased stress on your body, like fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery can change the amount of diabetes medicines you need to take to control your diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions to decide if your medicine needs to be changed.
Talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using alogliptin?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if alogliptin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Heart failure
- Alcoholism
- High triglyceride levels
Other Medicines and Supplements. Alogliptin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using alogliptin tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how alogliptin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take alogliptin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if alogliptin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does alogliptin interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between alogliptin and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect alogliptin, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effects of alogliptin. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does alogliptin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any other medicines you use for diabetes.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with alogliptin. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much alogliptin?
If you or someone else has used too much alogliptin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of alogliptin?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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