How does alogliptin work?
Alogliptin belongs to a group of medicines called dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) or gliptins.
It's used to treat type 2 diabetes, which is caused by problems with a hormone in your body called insulin.
Gliptins help your body make more insulin. They also stop your body releasing too much sugar (glucose) into your blood.
Both of these things help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
How long does it take to work?
Alogliptin starts to work within a few hours.
You need to take it every day to make sure your blood sugar stays as stable as possible.
Does alogliptin cause hypoglycaemia ("hypos")?
Alogliptin does not usually cause low blood sugar (known as hypoglycaemia, or "hypos") when taken on its own.
If you're taking other medicines for diabetes, your doctor may recommend reducing the dose of your other medicines when you start alogliptin. This will reduce the risk of hypos.
Are there any long term-side effects?
Alogliptin is safe to take for a long time. There do not seem to be any lasting harmful effects from taking it for many months or even years.
Are there similar medicines to alogliptin?
Alogliptin is a dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4 inhibitor).
Similar medicines include:
- linagliptin
- saxagliptin
- sitagliptin
- vildagliptin
There are other diabetes medicines that you also swallow, such as:
- metformin
- gliclazide
- glimepiride
- pioglitazone
- canagliflozin
- dapagliflozin
- empagliflozin
Are there different types of diabetes medicines?
There are several medicines that can lower blood sugar:
- metformin
- sulfonylureas, like gliclazide
- pioglitazone
- DPP-4 inhibitors, like sitagliptin
- SGLT2 inhibitors, like dapagliflozin
- GLP-1 agonists, like exenatide (given by injection)
- insulin (given by injection)
Your doctor might recommend taking more than one type of diabetes medicine at the same time.
Can I get diabetes medicines for free?
If you have diabetes, you're entitled to free prescriptions for all of your medicines, not just your diabetes ones.
To claim your free prescriptions you'll need to have a medical exemption certificate (FP92A).
You can get an application form at your GP surgery.
Can I take alogliptin before surgery?
Yes, you can take alogliptin before surgery.
Tell your surgeon that you're taking alogliptin and any other medicines.
Will it affect my contraception?
Alogliptin does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
However, if alogliptin gives you severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.
Find out more:
What to do if you're sick or have diarrhoea when taking the combined pill
What to do if you're sick or have diarrhoea when taking the progestogen-only pill
Can I drive or ride a bike?
If your blood sugar levels are stable, taking alogliptin should not affect your ability to drive, cycle or use machinery and tools.
If your blood sugar levels become too low, this can reduce your concentration. If this happens to you, do not drive, cycle or use machines or tools until you feel better.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking alogliptin. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking alogliptin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol with alogliptin. But it's best to drink no more than 2 units per day. Drinking more than this can increase your risk of low blood sugar.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
It's a good idea to cut down on foods with added sugar.
Check the nutrition labels as many foods and drinks are high in sugar, such as:
- sweets
- cakes
- biscuits
- chocolate
- some fizzy drinks
- juice drinks
Can lifestyle changes help to control diabetes?
There are some lifestyle changes you can make to help control the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
These include:
- eating a healthy diet
- losing any excess weight
- not smoking
- cutting down on alcohol – try to keep to the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. A standard glass of wine (175ml) is 2 units. A pint of lager or beer is usually 2 to 3 units of alcohol
- exercising – 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week is ideal
Alogliptin is usually prescribed when diet and exercise alone have not been enough to control your blood sugar levels.