What is the most important information I should know about alogliptin and pioglitazone?
You should not use this medicine if you have severe or uncontrolled heart failure, active bladder cancer, or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). Alogliptin and pioglitazone is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
This medicine can cause or worsen congestive heart failure. Call your doctor at once if you have shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, or rapid weight gain.
What is alogliptin and pioglitazone?
Alogliptin and pioglitazone are oral diabetes medicines that helps control blood sugar levels.
Alogliptin and pioglitazone is a combination medicine for people with type 2 diabetes. This medicine is sometimes used in combination with other diabetes medications, but is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Alogliptin and pioglitazone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alogliptin and pioglitazone?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to alogliptin and pioglitazone, or if you have severe or uncontrolled heart failure, active bladder cancer, or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
To make sure alogliptin and pioglitazone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- congestive heart failure, history of heart disease;
- liver disease;
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- eye problems caused by diabetes;
- pancreatitis;
- a history of bladder cancer;
- gallstones; or
- a history of alcoholism.
This medication may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
Taking alogliptin and pioglitazone may increase your risk of serious heart problems. However, not treating your diabetes can damage your heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your diabetes with this medicine.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and your dose needs may be different during each trimester of pregnancy.
Some women using alogliptin and pioglitazone have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.
Women may be more likely than men to have bone fractures in the upper arm, hand, or foot while taking medicine that contains pioglitazone. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this possibility.
It is not known whether alogliptin and pioglitazone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take alogliptin and pioglitazone?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not break an alogliptin and pioglitazone tablet. Swallow it whole.
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.
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 pioglitazone is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, vision exams, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. 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.
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 and pioglitazone?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of alogliptin and pioglitazone?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking this medicine 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.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe or ongoing pain in your joints;
- pink or red urine, painful or difficult urination, new or worsening urge to urinate;
- changes in your vision;
-
heart problems --shortness of breath (even while lying down), rapid weight gain, swelling (especially in your feet, legs, or midsection);
-
liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
-
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:
- back pain; 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.
What other drugs will affect alogliptin and pioglitazone?
Tell your doctor if you use insulin. Taking alogliptin and pioglitazone while you are using insulin may increase your risk of serious heart problems.
Other drugs may increase or decrease the effects of alogliptin and pioglitazone on lowering your blood sugar. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about alogliptin and pioglitazone.
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.
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