Alogliptin; Pioglitazone oral tablets

What is this medicine?

ALOGLIPTIN; PIOGLITAZONE (al oh glip tin ; pye oh GLI ta zone) is a combination of 2 medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes. This medicine lowers blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your dose at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• blood in the urine

• bone fractures

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• dark urine

• fever, chills

• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

• increased urination

• joint pain

• light-colored stools

• loss of appetite

• pain when urinating

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• right upper belly pain

• signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious, confusion, dizziness, increased hunger, unusually weak or tired, sweating, shakiness, cold, irritable, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness

• sudden weight gain

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• mild muscle pain

• stuffy or runny nose

• sore throat

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• gatifloxacin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• atorvastatin

• digoxin

• female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills

• fexofenadine

• insulin

• ketoconazole

• midazolam

• nifedipine

• ranitidine

• rifampin

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• sulfonylureas like glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide

• thyroid medicines

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bladder cancer

• diabetic ketoacidosis

• eye disease called macular edema

• heart disease

• heart failure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• pancreatitis

• polycystic ovary syndrome

• previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat

• swelling of the arms, legs, or feet

• type 1 diabetes

• an unusual or allergic reaction to alogliptin, pioglitazone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.

A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.

Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.

Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.

This medicine may increase your risk of having certain heart problems. Get medical help right away if you have any chest pain or tightness, or pain that radiates to the jaw or down the arm, and shortness of breath. These may be signs of a serious medical condition.

This medicine may cause ovulation in premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods. This may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if think you are pregnant.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.