alogliptin benzoate + metformin at a glance
Medicine class
DPP-4 inhibitor plus biguanide
Main use
Improving blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise
Administration
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water and take it with a meal
Low blood sugar
Risk is greater when combined with insulin or pioglitazone
What is alogliptin benzoate + metformin used for?
Licensed for adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
When metformin treatment has not provided adequate control, or when alogliptin and metformin are already taken separately.
With pioglitazone when metformin plus pioglitazone has not provided adequate control.
With insulin when insulin plus metformin has not provided adequate control.
How does alogliptin benzoate + metformin work?
Alogliptin blocks DPP-4, prolonging incretin activity so insulin release increases and glucagon falls when glucose is high. Metformin mainly reduces glucose production by the liver and improves the body's response to insulin.
alogliptin benzoate + metformin preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 12.5 mg + 1000 mg
How to take alogliptin benzoate + metformin
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions.
Take with meals to reduce stomach and bowel effects.
Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Do not stop it without discussing this with the prescribing team.
Contact a healthcare professional if severe vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or reduced fluid intake causes dehydration; temporary interruption may be needed.
alogliptin benzoate + metformin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort
- Headache
- Indigestion, reflux or gastritis
- Rash or itching
- Reduced vitamin B12 levels
- Low blood sugar, particularly with insulin or pioglitazone
Get urgent medical advice
- Persistent severe abdominal pain, possibly spreading to the back: possible pancreatitis
- Breathing difficulty, swelling, collapse or widespread rash: possible severe hypersensitivity
- Blistering or peeling skin
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or other symptoms of liver injury
- Rapid or difficult breathing, marked weakness, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, feeling cold or reduced consciousness: possible lactic acidosis
alogliptin benzoate + metformin in pregnancy
The fixed combination should not be used during pregnancy because information about alogliptin is insufficient. Anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy should have their diabetes treatment reviewed promptly rather than stopping it without advice.
alogliptin benzoate + metformin while breastfeeding
Alogliptin exposure through human milk is unknown, so this combination is not usually recommended while breastfeeding. The prescriber should review whether an alternative is appropriate.
alogliptin benzoate + metformin interactions
Tell the prescriber, pharmacist and imaging or surgical team about this combination.
Insulin or pioglitazone
Combining these increases the likelihood of hypoglycaemia and requires clinical review and monitoring.
Iodinated contrast media
Contrast-related kidney injury can cause metformin accumulation; the clinical team must manage temporary interruption and check renal function.
NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and diuretics
These can impair renal function and increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, particularly during acute illness or dehydration.
Common questions about alogliptin benzoate + metformin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it treat type 1 diabetes?
No. It is licensed for adults with type 2 diabetes and is not a substitute for insulin when insulin is required.
Can it cause low blood sugar?
It can, particularly when used with insulin or pioglitazone.
Can it be taken before a contrast scan?
Tell the radiology or diabetes team beforehand. Iodinated contrast can affect kidney function, so treatment may need to be withheld and restarted only after renal function is confirmed as stable.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.