A new drug for diabetes? Let's learn about Alogliptin and Pioglitazone tablets!

Are you also someone who struggles with diabetes, or "sugar disease" as many people call it? Sometimes it's hard to control your blood sugar levels even after controlling your diet and exercising, isn't it? At times like these, one type of medication that doctors give us to help is alogliptin and pioglitazone. Shall we talk about this in a little more detail today? Let's understand this simply, as if we were telling a friend.

What is this medicine?

Simply put, this alogliptin and pioglitazone `(Alogliptin; Pioglitazone)` is a medicine given to people with type 2 diabetes `(Type 2 Diabetes)` . It helps to control the amount of sugar in your blood, that is, the level of glucose `(glucose)`. However, taking this medicine alone is not enough. You need to do it along with a good diet and exercise. Only if you do these things in a balanced way can you get good results. You may know this medicine by the brand name `(Oseni)`. But your doctor may also give you this medicine for something else. Therefore, if you have any questions, it is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the things you need to tell your doctor before taking the medicine?

Okay, now let's see what things you absolutely need to tell your doctor or nurse before you start taking this medication. Because this information is what the doctor will use to decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and how to give it. It's very important for your own safety to be upfront about these things.

If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely say:

• If you have or have had bladder cancer .
• Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition caused by diabetes (in which the acidity of the blood increases, often accompanied by changes in breathing and stomach pain). This is a somewhat serious condition.
• A disease of the eyes called macular edema (a condition in which fluid builds up inside the eye and can cause blurred vision).
• If you have gallstones .
• If you have heart disease , especially heart failure (this can cause shortness of breath and swelling in the legs).
• If there are too many triglycerides in the blood.
• If you are a regular drinker .
• If your menstrual cycle is irregular (if you are a woman).
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• Pancreatitis (this can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen, sometimes radiating to the back).
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition (a hormonal imbalance that affects women).
• If you have ever had swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, a change in voice, or a sore throat (this could be a sign of a severe allergy).
• If you have swelling in your hands, legs, or feet .
• If you have Type 1 Diabetes (this medicine is given to people with Type 2).
• If you are allergic to alogliptin, pioglitazone, other medications, foods, artificial colors, or preservatives.
• If you are trying to get pregnant , or are already pregnant .
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .

How do you use this medicine correctly?

Okay, so after the doctor prescribes this medicine for you, how exactly do you use it? Remember this too.

This pill should be taken by mouth, with a little water . It is best to take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor has told you. Do not break, crush, or chew the pill. Swallow the pill whole. You can take it before or after a meal . However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with food. You should continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop . Do not stop suddenly, okay?

When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will be given a special ``MedGuide``, a sheet of information about the medicine, with every prescription and when you get a refill. Always remember to read it carefully. It contains very important information.

Talk to your healthcare team about giving this medicine to young children, as it may require special care.

What if you accidentally take too much medicine? If you think you've taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call a poison control center immediately . Don't delay.

Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else. It could harm them, as everyone's health is different.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Now imagine that you forgot to take your medicine one day. What would you do if that happened? Don't worry.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember . However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time . Never take two doses at once or take more pills . Doing so can cause problems.

What other medications may interact with this medicine?

When using this medicine, there are other medicines that can interact with it, meaning they can clash. Taking it with some medicines can change how well this medicine works or increase side effects. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.

These `(Alogliptin; Pioglitazone)` tablets may interact with these medications in particular:

• Gemfibrozil (a medicine used to lower cholesterol)
• Insulin (another medicine for diabetes)
• Rifampin (an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis)
• Sulfonylureas ( diabetes medications such as glimepiride, glipizide, and glyburide)
• Topiramate (a medicine used for epilepsy and migraines)

In addition to these, there are many other medications that can affect your blood sugar levels, so be aware of these things:

• Alcohol
• Aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• Chloramphenicol (an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections)
• Chromium (some people take it as a nutritional supplement)
• Diuretics ( medicines that increase the amount of urine produced, also called 'water pills')
• Female hormones , for example, medications containing estrogens or progestins, as well as birth control pills
• Some medications for heart disease `(Heart medications)`
• Isoniazid (a medicine for tuberculosis)
• Male hormones or anabolic steroids
• Medications for weight loss
• Medications for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough (some may contain sugar)
• Medications for mental problems
• Medicines in the group called MAO Inhibitors (e.g. `(Nardil)`, `(Parnate)`, `(Marplan)`, `(Eldepryl)`)
• Niacin (vitamin B3, also helps with cholesterol)
• NSAIDs (medicines that reduce pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen or naproxen)
• Pentamidine (a medicine for infections)
• Phenytoin (a medicine used to treat epilepsy)
• Probenecid (a medicine for gout)
• Quinolone antibiotics ( e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin)
• Some herbal dietary supplements
• Steroid medications (e.g. prednisone or cortisone)
• Thyroid medication

This list is not exhaustive. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, and dietary supplements) . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs . Some of these things can interact with your medications.

What are the things to be careful about when taking this medicine?

You need to take a little extra care of your health while taking this medicine. What are those things?

• See your doctor regularly to check your condition . Your doctor will want to see how you are progressing. You may also need to have some blood work done while taking this medicine.
• Your doctor will also look for a test called HbA1C (also known as A1C) . This is a simple blood test. It looks at how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past 2-3 months . This test is usually done every 3 months or every 6 months.
• Learn how to check your blood sugar levels yourself . It's also important to learn the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and how to manage them .
• Always carry a quick source of sugar (e.g., sugar cubes, glucose tablets) with you in case your blood sugar drops (e.g., sweating, shaking, dizziness) . If you have a very low blood sugar and are having a fit and losing consciousness, let others know that you may choke if you try to give them food or drink at that time . If this is a serious condition , seek medical attention immediately .
• If you feel that your blood sugar level is high (e.g. excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue), tell your doctor . Your medication dose may need to be adjusted. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, your medication dose may also need to be adjusted .
• Don't skip meals . Ask your doctor if you should avoid drinking alcohol . Many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines may contain sugar or alcohol . These can affect blood sugar levels.
• This medicine may increase your risk of certain heart problems . If you experience chest pain, tightness, pain that spreads to your jaw or arm, or trouble breathing, seek medical help right away. These may be signs of a heart attack or other serious condition .
• For women who are nearing menopause but are not menstruating, this medicine can cause ovulation . This can increase your chances of getting pregnant . Talk to your healthcare team about your birth control options. Tell your doctor if you think you may be pregnant .

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like all medicines, these `(Alogliptin; Pioglitazone)` tablets can cause some side effects. Some of them are not serious, but some of them should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately

If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare team without delay:

• Allergic reactions — skin rash, itching, hives (a rash that looks like hives), swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Vision changes — such as blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, or loss of vision.
• Heart failure — Shortness of breath, swelling in the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, and feeling unusually tired or weak.
• Liver injury — Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue.
• Pancreatitis — Severe pain in the stomach that radiates to the back, pain that worsens after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
• Red or dark brown urine, pain or difficulty urinating, frequent urination.
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or tightness of the skin (can also occur inside the mouth).
• Severe joint pain .

Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist

The side effects below usually do not require medical attention. However, if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor :

• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat

This list may not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA (1-800-FDA-1088).

How do you keep medicine safe?

It is also important to know how to store this medicine properly.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, or 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Protect from moisture and humidity. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Throw away any unused medication that has passed its expiration date.

How do you dispose of unused and expired medications?

This is also an important issue. Just throwing it in the trash won't do the trick.

• Take this medicine to a place that has a medication take-back program. You can find out about such places at your pharmacy or the police.
• If you can't return it, check the medicine label or the leaflet in the package to see if this medicine should be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. If you're not sure, ask your healthcare team.
• If it's safe to throw in the trash, take the medicine out of the bottle and mix it with something inert, such as cat litter, soil, or coffee grounds. Then, put the mixture in a bag or container, seal it, and throw it in the trash.

Finally, a few things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, we've talked a lot about these Alogliptin and Pioglitazone pills, haven't we? Here are some of the most important things you need to remember:

• This medicine is mainly given to control type 2 diabetes.
• As the doctor says, it is very important to take the correct dosage at the correct time.
• It is essential to follow a diet and exercise regimen along with this medication to get the best results.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, herbs, and vitamins you are taking.
• If you experience any new side effects, especially the serious symptoms we discussed, inform your doctor without delay.
• Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, and be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor before taking this medication.
• This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else.

This leaflet is only a summary. It may not contain all the information you need. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.

It's important to take care of your health. Living with diabetes can be challenging, but if you manage it well, you can be happy. Best of luck to you!

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