Only take Alogliptin as directed by your doctor. Do not take more, less or for a longer or shorter period of time than your doctor tells you. Your dose may be changed several times in order to discover what dose works best for you.
This medication comes with a patient information brochure. It is very important that your read this information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
It is important to carefully follow the special meal plan your doctor gives you. This is the most important part of controlling your diabetes and is necessary for the medication to work properly. Exercise regularly and test your blood or urine sugar levels as directed.
This medication may be taken with or without food.
Dosing
Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.
The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
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Adults - 25mg once a day.
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Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Storage
Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving Alogliptin to make sure that it is working properly. Blood or urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
This medication may cause serious and life-threatening allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema or certain skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. These conditions require immediate emergency medical attention.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, itching, blistering, peeling or loose skin, fever or chills, difficulty breathing or swallowing or any swelling of the hands, face, mouth or throat while using this medication.
Pancreatitis (swelling and inflammation of the pancreas) may occur while using this medication. Inform your doctor immediately if you have a sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever or lightheadedness.
Inform your doctor immediately if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stool, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or yellow eyes or skin (jaundice). These may be signs of a serious liver problem.
This medication may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia can also occur if you delay or miss a meal or snack, exercise more than usual, drink alcohol, are unable to eat due to nausea or vomiting, take certain medications or take Alogliptin with another type of diabetes medication (insulin, glipizide, glyburide, metformin or pioglitazone).
Symptoms of hypoglycemia must be treated before they cause unconsciousness. The symptoms of hypoglycemia vary from person to person. It is important that you learn which symptoms you have so you can treat it quickly.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia includes:
- Anxiety attacks
- Behaviour changes similar to being drunk
- Blurred vision
- Cold sweats
- Confusion
- Cool
- Pale skin
- Difficulty thinking
- Drowsiness
- Excessive hunger
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Continuous headaches
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Nightmares
- Restless sleep
- Shakiness
- Slurred speech or unusual fatigue or weakness
If symptoms of hypoglycemia occur, check your blood sugar level. If you have hypoglycemia, eat glucose tablets or gel, corn syrup, honey or sugar cubes or drink fruit juice, non-diet soft drinks or sugar dissolved in water.
Glucagon is a medication that is used in emergency situations when severe symptoms such as seizures or unconsciousness occur. Have a glucagon kit available, along with a syringe and needle and know how to use it. The members of your family should also know how to use glucagon.
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur if you do not take enough or skip a dose of your medication, overeat or do not follow your diet plan, have a fever or infection or do not exercise as much as usual.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia includes:
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Flushed dry skin
- Fruit-like breath odor
- Increased urination (frequency and amount)
- Loss of appetite
- Sleepiness
- Stomachache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing (rapid and deep)
- Unconsciousness or unusual thirst (polydipsia)
If symptoms of hyperglycemia occur, check your blood sugar level and call your doctor for instructions.
There may be a time when you need emergency help for a problem caused by your diabetes. It is important to be prepared for these emergencies. It is a good idea to wear a medical ID bracelet or neck chain at all times. Carry an ID card in your wallet or purse that says you have diabetes with a list of all your medications.
This medication may cause severe and disabling joint pain. Call your doctor immediately if you have severe joint pain while using this medication.
Alogliptin may produce unwanted affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
More CommonRare
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Cough
- Dark-colored urine
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling of discomfort
- Fever
- General feeling of fatigue or weakness
- Headache
- Hives, itching, or rash
- Indigestion
- Inflammation of the joints
- Joint or muscle pain
- Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- Light-colored stools
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
- Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- Red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- Red, irritated eyes
- Sore throat
- Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- Stomach pain, continuing
- Swollen lymph glands
- Tightness in the chest
- Vomiting
- Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:
Less Common
- Body aches or pain
- Ear congestion
- Loss of voice
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects.
Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
