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Overview: Alogliptin/pioglitazone helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It increases your insulin levels, especially after you eat, and improves how well your body responds to insulin. Common side effects are sore throat and back pain. Notify your healthcare provider if you have severe or frequent episodes of low blood sugar.

Uses

What is alogliptin/pioglitazone used for?

Alogliptin/pioglitazone is commonly used to help lower blood glucose (sugar) levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Alogliptin/pioglitazone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does alogliptin/pioglitazone work (mechanism of action)?

Alogliptin/pioglitazone works in a few ways to help keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high. It increases the levels of natural hormones in your body to help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin levels, especially after meals. It also decreases the amount of sugar that is made by the liver and increases insulin sensitivity (how your body responds to your own insulin). This helps your body use sugar as an energy source.

How is alogliptin/pioglitazone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brand and other names

  • Oseni

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 12.5 mg/30 mg oral tablets
  • 25 mg/15 mg oral tablets
  • 25 mg/30 mg oral tablets
  • 25 mg/45 mg oral tablets

How should I store alogliptin/pioglitazone?

Alogliptin/pioglitazone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of alogliptin/pioglitazone?

The most common side effects of alogliptin/pioglitazone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Back pain

There may be other side effects of alogliptin/pioglitazone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of alogliptin/pioglitazone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of alogliptin/pioglitazone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Alogliptin/pioglitazone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking alogliptin/pioglitazone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heart Failure. Alogliptin/pioglitazone may increase your risk of heart failure, especially if you also use insulin. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness

Edema (Fluid Retention). Alogliptin/pioglitazone may cause a build up of fluid in your body, especially if you take a higher dose. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs, or unexplained weight gain. 

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Alogliptin/pioglitazone may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking alogliptin/pioglitazone and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Fractures (Broken Bones). Alogliptin/pioglitazone may increase your risk of breaking a bone (usually in the hand, arm, or feet), especially in females. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to keep your bones healthy.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking alogliptin/pioglitazone. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Bladder Cancer. You may be more likely to get bladder cancer if you take alogliptin/pioglitazone. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bladder cancer.

  • Red pee or blood in your pee
  • Pain when you pee
  • Need to pee more often than normal

Macular Edema. Alogliptin/pioglitazone may increase your risk of macular edema (increased fluid in parts of your eye). You may not have any symptoms, so keep your scheduled eye appointments. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice changes in your vision. 

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Alogliptin/pioglitazone can cause low blood sugar, especially if you skip meals, use insulin or other medicines that increase your insulin levels. Hypoglycemia can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider may lower your dose of your other diabetes medicines to reduce your risk of low blood sugar. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.

  • Headache
  • Crankiness or anxiety Hunger
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Blurry vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Feeling jittery or shakiness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Seizures

Severe Joint Pain. Alogliptin/pioglitazone may cause joint pain that can be severe. Call your healthcare provider if you have new or increased joint pain while taking this medicine.

Severe Skin Reactions. Alogliptin/pioglitazone can cause a rare skin reaction called bullous pemphigoid. This reaction may start as an itchy skin rash and large blisters may form on the skin. You may need treatment in a hospital if this reaction happens. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash or blisters on the skin.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use alogliptin/pioglitazone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take alogliptin/pioglitazone.

  • Oseni
  • Alogliptin
  • Pioglitazone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific alogliptin/pioglitazone products they stock.

Heart Failure.Alogliptin/pioglitazone should not be started in people with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV heart failure (moderate to severe heart failure). 

What should I know about alogliptin/pioglitazone before using it?

Do not take alogliptin/pioglitazone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. 

Do not share alogliptin/pioglitazone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep alogliptin/pioglitazone out of the reach of children.

Alogliptin/pioglitazone can cause ovulation (release of an egg from your ovary), if you have not gone through menopause, even if you do not have regular periods. This can increase your chance of getting pregnant.

Do not cut, break, or split alogliptin/pioglitazone. It should be swallowed whole.

Certain conditions that cause increased stress on your body, like fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery can change the amount of diabetes medicines you need to take to control your diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions to decide if your medicine needs to be changed.

Talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using alogliptin/pioglitazone?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if alogliptin/pioglitazone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Gallbladder problems
  • High triglyceride levels
  • Heart failure
  • Eye problems, such as macular degeneration
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Drink alcohol often or in large amounts

Other Medicines and Supplements. Alogliptin/pioglitazone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking alogliptin/pioglitazone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how alogliptin/pioglitazone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to control your blood sugar if you are pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if alogliptin/pioglitazone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take alogliptin/pioglitazone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does alogliptin/pioglitazone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between alogliptin/pioglitazone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect alogliptin/pioglitazone, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effect of alogliptin/pioglitazone. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does alogliptin/pioglitazone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any of the following before taking alogliptin/pioglitazone.

  • Topiramate (Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or prevent migraine
  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of alogliptin/pioglitazone. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with alogliptin/pioglitazone. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much alogliptin/pioglitazone?

If you or someone else has used too much alogliptin/pioglitazone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of alogliptin/pioglitazone?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.