Do you also have Type 2 Diabetes? If so, your doctor may have prescribed this medicine. It is actually a combination of two medications, namely Alogliptin and Metformin. Today, we will talk about this medicine, how to use it, things to be careful about, and side effects in a simple and friendly way.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this pill helps control your blood sugar, or glucose, levels. The two types of medication in this pill do two things. One helps your body use the hormone insulin properly, and the other controls the unnecessary production of sugar by your liver.
The most important thing is that taking this medicine alone is not enough. The best results can only be achieved when taking this medicine in conjunction with proper diet and exercise .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Okay, now this is the most important part. Before starting this medication, you need to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because this medication may not be compatible with some medical conditions. Especially if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Kidney or liver disease: Do you have any kidney or liver disease?
- Heart disease: Do you have heart disease or heart failure?
- Pancreatitis: Have you had this condition before?
- Frequent drinking: Are you a regular drinker?
- Anemia or Dehydration: Do you have a lack of blood or water in your body?
- PCOS Status: Do you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
- Allergies: Do you have any allergies to this medicine or any other medicine or food? In particular, have you ever had any symptoms such as swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness of the voice ?
- Pregnancy: Are you pregnant? Or are you expecting a baby?
- Are you a nursing mother?
- Vomiting, serious infection, or accident: Has anything like this happened recently?
It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor without hiding these things.
How should I use this medicine?
This is also something you need to know for sure.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water . Never break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, some people may experience stomach discomfort if taken without food. If this happens, it is best to take the medicine with a meal.
- Continue to use the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose. This can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you suspect you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
You will also need to make small changes to your lifestyle while using this medicine.
- HbA1C test: Your doctor will likely order a blood test called HbA1C every 2-3 months to see if your diabetes is under control. This can give you a good idea of your past blood sugar control.
- Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): This medicine, especially when taken with insulin or other diabetes medicines such as sulfonylureas, can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). So be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar ( dizziness , sweating, shakiness, confusion, extreme hunger).
- Don't skip meals: Eat at the right time. Skipping meals increases the risk of low blood sugar.
- Alcohol: Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar levels to drop suddenly.
- Surgery and scans: If you are going to have surgery or a CT/MRI scan, be sure to tell the medical team that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking the medicine a few days before the procedure .
- Vitamin deficiencies: Long-term use of this medication may cause low levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid. Therefore, it is important to eat a nutritious diet and talk to your doctor about taking vitamin supplements if necessary.
- Contrast Dyes: It is dangerous to take this medicine with some contrast dyes that are injected into the body before tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
- Alcohol
- Other diabetes medications (e.g. Insulin, Glimepiride, Gliclazide)
- Some blood pressure medications
- Steroids (e.g. Prednisolone)
- Some antibiotics and antiviral drugs
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- Before starting the medication, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Always keep something like a sugary candy nearby in case of an emergency.
- If a serious side effect occurs (severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, allergic reaction), seek medical advice immediately.
- Never share your medicine with others. It is for you only.
- Avoid stopping the medication or changing the dosage without medical advice.
Always keep a sugar candy, glucose tablet, or some sweet drink nearby. Use it if you suddenly have low blood sugar. Tell your family not to put anything in your mouth if you lose consciousness. If this happens, you should immediately take them to a hospital.
Side Effects & Interactions
Like any medication, this can cause side effects and can also interact with other medications.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Lactic Acidosis | Muscle pain, stomach cramps, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue (this is a rare but very serious condition). |
| Pancreatitis | Severe stomach pain (which may spread to the back), pain that worsens after eating, fever, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Heart attack symptoms | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Severe joint pain | Severe pain in the joints. |
| 🙂 Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Diarrhea, gas , headache, metallic taste in the mouth, stuffy or runny nose, nausea, sore throat. | |
Other things that may interact with this medicine
This medicine may interact with some other medicines and foods. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Be especially careful about the following:
This list is not complete, so always ask your doctor before starting any new medication.
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