How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This is a combination medication that contains 2 active ingredients: alogliptin and metformin. They are used together, along with diet and exercise, to improve blood glucose (sugar) levels for adults with type 2 diabetes. Alogliptin - metformin may be used in addition to other diabetes medications to reduce blood sugar levels, when other medications haven't provided adequate control.
Alogliptin belongs to the group of medications called DPP-4 inhibitors. It works by increasing the amount of incretin released by the intestine. Incretin is a hormone that raises insulin levels when blood glucose is high and decreases the amount of glucose made by the body. Metformin belongs to the group of medications called biguanides. It works by reducing the amount of glucose made by the liver and by making it easier for glucose to enter into the tissues of the body.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
12.5 mg/500 mg
Each pale yellow, oblong, biconvex, film-coated tablet, with "12.5/500" debossed on one side and "322M" debossed on the other, contains 17 mg alogliptin benzoate which is equivalent to 12.5 mg alogliptin and 500 mg metformin hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose (PH 101 and KG-1000), povidone, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate. The film-coating contains the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose (2910), talc, titanium dioxide, and ferric oxide (yellow).
12.5 mg/850 mg
Each light yellow, oblong, biconvex, film-coated tablet, with "12.5/850" debossed on one side and "322M" debossed on the other, contains 17 mg alogliptin benzoate which is equivalent to 12.5 mg alogliptin and 850 mg metformin hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose (PH 101 and KG-1000), povidone, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate. The film-coating contains the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose (2910), talc, titanium dioxide, and ferric oxide (yellow).
12.5 mg/1,000 mg
Each pale yellow, oblong, film-coated tablet, with "12.5/1000" debossed on one side and "322M" debossed on the other, contains 17 mg of alogliptin benzoate, which is equivalent to 12.5 mg alogliptin, and 1,000 mg of metformin hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose (PH 101 and KG-1000), povidone, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate. The film-coating contains the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose (2910), talc, titanium dioxide, and ferric oxide (yellow).
How should I use this medication?
The initial dose of alogliptin - metformin is based on the dose of each medication that is currently being taken. Your doctor will determine the dose that is appropriate for you. This medication should be taken twice a day with meals. The maximum dose of alogliptin is 25 mg per day and the maximum dose of metformin is 2,000 mg per day. Swallow the tablets whole, with water.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take alogliptin - metformin if you:
- are allergic to alogliptin, metformin, or any ingredients of the medication
- are breast-feeding
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- are severely dehydrated
- are going to have X-rays or other radiographic studies that involve the use of iodinated contrast materials
- drink large amounts of alcohol in a short term or on a regular basis
- have cardiovascular collapse (sudden failure of blood circulation) or cardio-respiratory insufficiency (reduced oxygen supply to tissues)
- have metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis) or a history of ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood)
- have or are recovering from a severe infection, trauma, or surgery
- have poor blood glucose control or insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes mellitus
- have reduced kidney function or kidney disease
- have severely reduced liver function or liver disease
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- abdominal bloating
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dry, itchy skin
- eye redness, irritation
- headache
- heartburn
- hemorrhoids
- loss of appetite
- metallic taste in mouth
- muscle spasms or cramps
- nausea
- passing of gas
- skin rash
- stomach upset
- trouble sleeping
- unusual tiredness
- vomiting
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- abdominal or stomach pain
- back, joint, or bone pain
- cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- flu-like symptoms (sudden lack of energy, fever, cough, sore throat)
- increased blood pressure
- pain, numbness, weakness, tingling in the legs
- "pins and needles" sensation
- signs of anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
- signs of decreased thyroid function (e.g., constipation, dry skin, tiredness, weight gain, sensitive to the cold)
- signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
- swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles
- symptoms of advanced peripheral neuropathy (e.g., numbness and prickling spreading up legs and arms; sharp stabbing, burning, or freezing pain)
- symptoms of kidney problems (e.g., decreased urine production, blood in the urine)
- symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., anxiety, difficulty concentrating, nausea, cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, weakness, shakiness)
- signs of muscle damage (e.g., unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, or brown or discoloured urine)
- symptoms of gallstones (e.g., sudden stomach pain often after meals, difficulty taking deep breaths, nausea, vomiting)
- symptoms of kidney stones (e.g., severe pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, fever and chills)
- unusual bruising
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of lactic acidosis (e.g., nausea, vomiting, increased breathing rate, abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, muscle pain or cramping, feeling cold)
- signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
- signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
- symptoms of damage to the brain (e.g., muscle weakness, decreased concentration, poor decision making, tremor, difficulty speaking or swallowing, seizures)
- symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Alcohol intake: Large amounts of alcohol or regular use of alcohol increases the risk of developing lactic acidosis when taking metformin. People taking this medication should limit their consumption of alcohol.
Anemia: Alogliptin - metformin may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Blood glucose control: People taking this medication who have a fever, experience trauma, or have surgery may experience a temporary loss of blood glucose control. At such times, it may be necessary to stop this medication and temporarily inject insulin. This medication may be started again after the problem is resolved.
Congestive heart failure (CHF): Congestive heart failure can increase the risk of lactic acidosis caused by metformin. For this reason, this medication is not recommended for people with CHF. If you have CHF, speak to your doctor.
Diabetes complications: The use of this medication will not prevent the development of complications of diabetes mellitus (e.g., kidney disease, nerve disease, eye disease).
Driving and operating machinery: Alogliptin - metformin may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery by causing low blood sugar. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by this medication or if you are in a situation where you may develop low blood sugar.
Dye or contrast agents: If you are going to have an X-ray procedure that uses dye or a contrast agent, you may need to stop taking this medication for a short time. Contact your doctor for instructions.
Kidney function: Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause metformin to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed, as alogliptin doses often need to be lower than those available with this combination medication. Your doctor may recommend regular testing to check your kidney function while you are taking this medication. This medication is not recommended for people with reduced kidney function.
Lactic acidosis: Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious problem that occurs due to metformin accumulation (i.e., the body doesn't get rid of the medication fast enough) during treatment. People with severe kidney disease, heart failure, or dehydration are at higher risk of developing lactic acidosis. Since alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, do not drink a lot of alcohol over the short or long term while taking this medication. When it does occur (very rarely), it is fatal in 50% of cases. If you experience symptoms of lactic acidosis (e.g., weakness; tiredness; drowsiness; unusual muscle pain; trouble breathing; stomach pain with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; feeling cold; dizziness; lightheadedness; slow or irregular heartbeat), stop taking this medication and get immediate medical attention.
Liver function: Decreased liver function has been linked to lactic acidosis, therefore, this medication is not recommended for people with severely reduced liver function. If you have moderately reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low blood glucose: Under usual circumstances, low blood glucose does not occur for people who take this medication. Low blood glucose could occur when not enough food is eaten, especially when strenuous exercise is undertaken at the same time or when large amounts of alcohol have been consumed. If you experience low blood sugar (e.g., headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heartbeat, sweating, and feeling jittery) while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
Pancreatitis: This medication may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). If you have a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, alcoholism, or high triglycerides you may be more at risk of experiencing this. If you experience prolonged and severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Reduced response: Over a period of time, people may become progressively less responsive to a particular treatment for diabetes because their diabetes worsens. If your blood glucose control worsens or you are not staying within your target levels, talk to your doctor.
Surgery: This medication should be stopped temporarily for surgery (except for minor surgery where food and fluid intake is not restricted). You will be restarted on this medication once you are eating and drinking and your kidney function has been tested and is normal. Talk to your doctor for specific instructions.
Thyroid disease: This medication may cause decreased production of thyroid hormone. If you experience symptoms of underactive thyroid, such as unexpectedly feeling cold, depression, constipation, or fatigue, let your doctor know. If you have a history of thyroid disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Vitamin B12 levels: This medication may decrease vitamin B12 levels. Your doctor will monitor your B12 levels with blood tests while you are taking this medication.
Pregnancy: This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy or for people who are planning to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Insulin is usually used during pregnancy to control blood glucose levels.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if alogliptin passes into breast milk. Metformin passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking alogliptin – metformin, it may affect your baby. This medication should not be used by people who are breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
Seniors: Kidney function often decreases with age. As a result, seniors may be more likely to experience side effects of this medication.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between alogliptin - metformin and any of the following:
- acetazolamide
- acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
- alcohol
- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; captopril, enalapril, ramipril)
- second-generation antipsychotics (e.g., clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
- beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol)
- bictegravir
- bismuth subsalicylate
- bortezomib
- buserelin
- cephalexin
- cimetidine
- danazol
- disopyramide
- diuretics (water pills; e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, amiloride, triamterene)
- dolutegravir
- epinephrine
- estrogens (e.g., conjugated estrogen, estradiol, ethinyl estradiol)
- everolimus
- glucagon
- glycopyrrolate
- goserelin
- hepatitis C antivirals (e.g., glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, ledipasvir, sofosbuvir, voxilaprevir)
- HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, lopinavir, ritonavir)
- hydroxychloroquine
- inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, ciclesonide, fluticasone)
- iodinated contrast material
- lamotrigine
- levothyroxine
- leuprolide
- linezolid
- lixisenatide
- mifepristone
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
- nilotinib
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketorolac, naproxen)
- ondansetron
- oral corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone)
- other diabetes medications (e.g., gliclazide, glyburide, insulin, repaglinide)
- patiromer
- pegvisomant
- phenytoin
- progestins (e.g., dienogest, levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, norethindrone)
- protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., ceritinib, nilotinib, sunitinib)
- pyrimethamine
- quinine
- quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin)
- ranolazine
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, vortioxetine)
- sirolimus
- somatostatin analogues (e.g., lanreotide, octreotide, pasireotide)
- somatropin
- sulfamethoxazole
- tacrolimus
- temsirolimus
- terbutaline
- testosterone
- topiramate
- tramadol
- trimethoprim
- triptorelin
- vandetanib
- venetoclax
- verapamil
- vilazodone
- vorinostat
- warfarin
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
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