Alogliptin-metFORMIN

What Is Alogliptin-metFORMIN?

Alogliptin and metformin are oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.
Metformin works by decreasing glucose (sugar) production in the liver and decreasing absorption of glucose by the intestines. Alogliptin works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.
Alogliptin and metformin is a combination medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Alogliptin and metformin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use this medication if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Alogliptin can cause pancreatitis. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea, and feeling very weak or tired.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to alogliptin or metformin, or if you have:

• kidney disease; or
• if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Some people taking alogliptin and metformin develop a serious condition called lactic acidosis. This may be more likely if you have liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, a severe infection, if you are dehydrated, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk with your doctor about your risk.
To make sure alogliptin and metformin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease;
• liver disease;
• a history of pancreatitis;
• gallstones;
• a history of alcoholism; or
• if you are over 80 years old and have not recently had your kidney function checked.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you will need to temporarily stop taking alogliptin and metformin. Be sure your caregivers know ahead of time that you are using this medicine.
Certain oral diabetes medications may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether alogliptin and metformin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

Alogliptin-metFORMIN Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking alogliptin and metformin. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as:

• muscle pain or weakness;
• numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs;
• trouble breathing;
• feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or very weak;
• stomach pain, nausea with vomiting; or
• slow or uneven heart rate.

Stop using alogliptin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back;
• nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fast heart rate;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath);
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• diarrhea;
• back pain, headache; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat.

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.

Alogliptin-metFORMIN Interactions

Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with alogliptin and metformin, especially:

• cimetidine;
• morphine;
• quinine;
• ranitidine;
• topiramate;
• trimethoprim;
• vancomycin;
• zonisamide;
• acetazolamide, methazolamide, triamterene; or
• heart or blood pressure medication--amiloride, digoxin, procainamide, quinidine.

You may be more likely to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) if you take alogliptin and metformin with other drugs that can raise blood sugar, such as:

• isoniazid;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• steroids (prednisone and others);
• phenothiazines (Compazine and others);
• thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);
• birth control pills and other hormones;
• seizure medicines (Dilantin and others);
• diet pills; and
• medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.

These lists are not complete. Other drugs may interact with alogliptin and metformin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Alogliptin-metFORMIN Dosage

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take alogliptin and metformin with meals.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating.
Keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.
Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.
Alogliptin and metformin 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.
Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12 while you are taking alogliptin and metformin. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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).
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food). Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.