Alogliptin
NHS information about alogliptin, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What alogliptin is for
Alogliptin is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes happens when your body does not make enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes does not work properly (insulin resistance). Without enough insulin, your blood sugar (glucose) can get too high.
Alogliptin works by increasing the amount of insulin your body produces and lowering your blood sugar level.
Alogliptin is prescribed if lifestyle changes and other diabetes medicines have not worked to control your blood sugar level.
It's only prescribed alongside other diabetes medicines.
How to take alogliptin
Alogliptin comes as tablets you take once a day.
You'll usually need to take it long term. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
When taking alogliptin:
- take it at the same time each day
- swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water (do not crush or chew them)
- you can take it with or without food
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you’re not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Side effects of alogliptin
Like all medicines, alogliptin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of alogliptin include:
- stomach pain
- headaches
- indigestion or heartburn
- diarrhoea
If you take alogliptin alongside another diabetic medicine, it may cause low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia, or a hypo). This can make you feel dizzy, feel sick (nauseous), be sick (vomit), feel very hungry or very tired.
If you get symptoms of a hypo, eat or drink something sugary to raise your blood sugar level quickly. If this happens often, see your GP.
Alogliptin should not affect your ability to drive, but if you have symptoms of a hypo – such as feeling sleepy, dizziness or blurred vision – do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of alogliptin.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take alogliptin
Most adults can take alogliptin, but it's not suitable for everyone.
For example, it may not be not suitable for you if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from alogliptin or a similar medicine before
- you have problems with your pancreas, liver or kidneys
- you have heart failure
Before taking alogliptin, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and alogliptin
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.
Alogliptin is usually not used if you're breastfeeding. Your doctor will suggest stopping alogliptin or switching to a different medicine.
Pregnancy and alogliptin
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or get pregnant while taking alogliptin.
Alogliptin is not used during pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest stopping alogliptin or switching to a different medicine.
Taking alogliptin with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with alogliptin.
These include other medicines for high blood sugar, such as insulin, metformin or gliclazide. Your doctor may want to change your dose of these medicines.
Before taking alogliptin, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food and alcohol with alogliptin
Follow your doctor's advice about diet while taking alogliptin as part of your diabetes treatment to reduce the chances of your blood sugar level getting too low. This may include eating a healthy diet and not skipping or delaying meals.
It's best not to drink alcohol while taking alogliptin because it can affect your blood sugar level.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service
