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Alogliptin

Generic name: alogliptin [ AL-oh-GLIP-tin ]
Brand name: Nesina
Dosage form: oral tablet (12.5 mg; 25 mg; 6.25 mg)
Drug class: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 21, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is alogliptin?

Alogliptin is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. alogliptin is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Alogliptin is sometimes used in combination with other diabetes medications.

Alogliptin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Alogliptin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop taking alogliptin and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or fast heartbeats.

Alogliptin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of alogliptin may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Alogliptin can cause serious side effects on your heart or pancreas, especially if you have ever had similar problems, or if you have kidney or liver disease.

Call your doctor right away if you have: signs of pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back; or signs of heart failure--shortness of breath while lying down, weight gain, swelling in your legs or feet.

alogliptin is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to alogliptin, or if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Alogliptin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take alogliptin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take alogliptin with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.

You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).

Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Alogliptin is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Alogliptin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:

Usual dose: 25 mg orally once a day

Comments: When used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas, a lower dose of insulin or the insulin secretagogue may be required to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia.

Use: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus; may be used as monotherapy or in combination therapy .

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking alogliptin?

Avoid drinking alcohol.

What other drugs will affect alogliptin?

Other drugs may increase or decrease the effects of alogliptin on lowering your blood sugar. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.