Alogliptin

What alogliptin is for

Alogliptin is used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes happens when your body does not make enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes does not work properly (insulin resistance). Without enough insulin, your blood sugar (glucose) can get too high.

Alogliptin works by increasing the amount of insulin your body produces and lowering your blood sugar level.

Alogliptin is prescribed if lifestyle changes and other diabetes medicines have not worked to control your blood sugar level.

It's only prescribed alongside other diabetes medicines.

How to take alogliptin

Alogliptin comes as tablets you take once a day.

You'll usually need to take it long term. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

When taking alogliptin:

• take it at the same time each day
• swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water (do not crush or chew them)
• you can take it with or without food

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you’re not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of alogliptin

If you forget to take a dose of alogliptin, take it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much alogliptin

Taking an extra dose of alogliptin can be dangerous.

Side effects of alogliptin

Like all medicines, alogliptin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of alogliptin include:

• stomach pain
• headaches
• indigestion or heartburn
• diarrhoea

If you take alogliptin alongside another diabetic medicine, it may cause low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia, or a hypo). This can make you feel dizzy, feel sick (nauseous), be sick (vomit), feel very hungry or very tired.

If you get symptoms of a hypo, eat or drink something sugary to raise your blood sugar level quickly. If this happens often, see your GP.

Alogliptin should not affect your ability to drive, but if you have symptoms of a hypo – such as feeling sleepy, dizziness or blurred vision – do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Serious side effects

Alogliptin can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of alogliptin include:

• liver problems – causing symptoms such as itchy skin, darker pee than normal, pale poo and yellowing of the skin or eyes (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
• severe skin reactions – causing symptoms such as a sore, itchy, raised rash, blisters or peeling skin
• swelling of your pancreas (pancreatitis) – causing symptoms such as severe pain in your stomach or your back that does not go away
• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing

Who can and cannot take alogliptin

Most adults can take alogliptin, but it's not suitable for everyone.

For example, it may not be not suitable for you if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from alogliptin or a similar medicine before
• you have problems with your pancreas, liver or kidneys
• you have heart failure

Before taking alogliptin, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and alogliptin

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Alogliptin is usually not used if you're breastfeeding. Your doctor will suggest stopping alogliptin or switching to a different medicine.

Pregnancy and alogliptin

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or get pregnant while taking alogliptin.

Alogliptin is not used during pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest stopping alogliptin or switching to a different medicine.

Find out more about taking antidiabetic drugs such as alogliptin during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking alogliptin with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with alogliptin.

These include other medicines for high blood sugar, such as insulin, metformin or gliclazide. Your doctor may want to change your dose of these medicines.

Before taking alogliptin, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food and alcohol with alogliptin

Follow your doctor's advice about diet while taking alogliptin as part of your diabetes treatment to reduce the chances of your blood sugar level getting too low. This may include eating a healthy diet and not skipping or delaying meals.

It's best not to drink alcohol while taking alogliptin because it can affect your blood sugar level.