Do you also have Type 2 Diabetes? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Alogliptin. You may have received this under the brand name Nesina. So, today we will talk very simply and politely about what this medication is, how it works in our body, and what we need to be careful about when using it.
What is Alogliptin? How does it work?
Simply put, Alogliptin is a medication used to control Type 2 Diabetes. It does two main things.
1. Increases insulin levels: Insulin is a hormone in our body that helps cells use sugar (glucose) in the blood. This medicine increases insulin levels and helps lower blood sugar levels.
2. Reduces the production of unnecessary sugar: This medicine also reduces the amount of sugar added to the blood by our liver.
The most important thing is that taking this medicine alone is not enough. You need to use this medicine in conjunction with a good diet and daily exercise . That's when you will get the best results.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Your doctor will need to have a complete understanding of your health before prescribing this medicine to you. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have Type 1 Diabetes or Diabetic Ketoacidosis .
- If you are a regular drinker .
- If you have liver or kidney disease .
- If you have heart disease or heart failure .
- If you have previously had a condition called pancreatitis .
- If you have high triglyceride levels in your blood.
- If you have gallstones .
- If you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to another medicine or food, such as swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important for your safety to say these things without hiding them.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Directions: Take this pill with a glass of water at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow the tablet: Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. The tablet should be swallowed whole.
- Before or after food?: This pill can be taken before or after food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Stopping: Do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it 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. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, don't panic. But you should take immediate action. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
It is very important to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medicine.
Regular medical checkups
Your doctor will check you regularly. He or she will also order a blood test called HbA1C . This measures how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past 2-3 months. This can help determine if your medication dosage needs to be adjusted.
Be careful of low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia)!
There is a small risk of low blood sugar (hypo) when alogliptin is taken with insulin or other diabetes medications (sulfonylureas) such as glimepiride and glipizide. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of low and high blood sugar.
| Status | Common features | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | Heavy sweating, shaking, extreme hunger, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion. | Immediately take some sugar, such as a toffee, a glucose tablet, or a sweet drink. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue. | Drink plenty of water. Inform your doctor. |
Very important: Always keep a candy bar or sugar packet in your bag or pocket in case you get low on sugar. If you have a seizure or fainting spell, never let anyone put anything in your mouth. It could get stuck. If that happens, you should go to the hospital immediately.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Alogliptin can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are minor, there are some things we should be aware of.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual fatigue. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Pancreatitis | Severe pain in the stomach (often radiating to the back), pain that worsens after eating, fever, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Severe joint pain | Unbearable pain in the joints. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Headache, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat. |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Storage: Store the tablets at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) out of the reach of children and pets .
- Disposal: When disposing of expired medications, before putting them in the trash, mix them with old coffee grounds, soil, etc., put them in a bag or can, seal it well, and dispose of them. You can ask your doctor for more information on this.
Take-Home Message
- Alogliptin is a medication used to control type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions before starting the medication.
- Swallow the tablet whole, without breaking or crushing it.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypo) and always keep some sugar nearby.
- If you experience difficulty breathing, severe stomach pain, or allergic symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- Never stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
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