Nesina, also known as alogliptin, is a medication used to help control high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients. Alogliptin is used in combination with diet and exercise to control sugar levels. Well-controlled blood sugar lowers your risk of kidney damage, blindness, nervous problems, loss of limbs, and loss of sexual function problems.

How does Nesina work?

Alogliptin increases natural substances called incretins. Incretins control blood sugar by increasing insulin release after a meal. These incretins also limit sugar production in the liver.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take this drug by mouth with or without food.
• Take this drug regularly to get the most benefit from it.
• Always follow your diabetes management plan, which includes medications, exercise, and proper diet.
• Check your blood sugar regularly to track the results of this drug and share them with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if your blood sugar measurements are too high or too low.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• If you have a medical history of kidney disease, liver problems, pancreatitis, gallstones, or heart failure.

You should also know:

• Limit your alcohol intake to prevent your risk of low blood sugar.
• Stress stemming from fever, infection, or injury may make your blood sugar harder to control.
• Pregnancy can worsen diabetes, so discuss how to manage your blood sugar while pregnant. Diet, exercise, and insulin treatments are also recommended during pregnancy.
• It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.

Common side effects of Nesina include but are not limited to:

• Changes in blood sugar levels.
• Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include sweating, shaking, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands and feet.
• Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, rapid breathing, and fruity breath.

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of alogliptin.

• Joint pain
• Unusual skin blisters
• Signs of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, sudden weight gain)

Does Nesina interact with any drugs or supplements?

Nesina may interact with beta-blocker medications, such as propranolol and glaucoma eye drops. These medications may prevent the pounding heartbeat symptom that occurs when your blood sugar falls too low. Low blood sugar is dangerous, so keep an eye on your levels if you do take beta-blocker drugs.