Before you begin using 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 Nesina (Alogliptin).
Blood sugar control: If your body experiences stress such as fever, trauma, infection, or surgery, you may lose control of blood glucose. Your doctor may decide to temporarily stop Nesina (Alogliptin) and advise you to take insulin. Talk to your doctor if you have a fever or infection or are about to undergo surgery.
Other medications such as sulfonylureas and insulin cause Hypoglycemia. If Nesina (Alogliptin) is being added to these medications, it may be necessary to reduce these doses.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: When it is combined with other medications that reduce blood sugar, such as Metformin, Nesina (Alogliptin) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Nesina (Alogliptin) affects you.
Heart disease: The safety and effectiveness of Nesina (Alogliptin) for people who have Congestive Heart Failure have not been determined. If you have congestive heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Nesina (Alogliptin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nesina (Alogliptin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Nesina (Alogliptin) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Nesina (Alogliptin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nesina (Alogliptin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you have reduced kidney function, your doctor may suggest that you start with a lower dose of Nesina (Alogliptin).
Liver function: Nesina (Alogliptin) may reduce liver function and can cause liver failure. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Nesina (Alogliptin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nesina (Alogliptin), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Nesina (Alogliptin).
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
People with severely reduced liver function should not use Nesina (Alogliptin).
Pancreatitis: Nesina (Alogliptin) can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Nesina (Alogliptin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nesina (Alogliptin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Nesina (Alogliptin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Nesina (Alogliptin), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Nesina (Alogliptin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Nesina (Alogliptin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Nesina (Alogliptin) have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may need a lower dose of Nesina (Alogliptin). People over 65 years of age are more likely to have decreased kidney function, which results in more side effects of Nesina (Alogliptin).
