Kazano

The active ingredient in Kazano is alogliptin benzoate/metformin hydrochloride. Kazano (alogliptin/metformin) is a drug combination that improves blood sugar levels.

Alogliptin is a type of medication known as a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, also referred to as a "gliptin." It works by blocking the DPP-4 enzyme, which normally breaks down hormones involved in regulating blood sugar. By inhibiting this enzyme, alogliptin helps increase insulin production and reduce glucose levels in the body, leading to improved blood sugar control.

Metformin is a biguanide that reduces blood sugar in a variety of ways. It reduces the quantity of sugar that your liver produces. Metformin also reduces the amount of sugar absorbed by your intestines from the foods you consume. Furthermore, it increases your body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing more sugar to enter your cells for energy production. Metformin helps reduce blood sugar levels through these three routes.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Kazano. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Kazano:

• Take Kazano with meals.
• You could have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel extremely hungry, dizzy, angry, confused, worried, or shaky. To correct hypoglycemia quickly, eat or drink something with a high sugar content.
• If you suffer from severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit. Ensure that your family or close friends are aware of how to administer this injection in an emergency.
• Look for indicators of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), such as increased thirst or urine.
• Stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol consumption, and skipping meals all have an impact on blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before changing your dose or drug schedule.

The most common side effects of Kazano seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection.
• Urinary tract infection.
• High blood pressure.
• Back pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Low blood sugar levels.
• Muscle pain.
• Sore throat.
• Severe joint pain.
• Weight gain.
• Upset stomach.
• Dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Kazano. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Lactic acidosis symptoms include confusion, weakness, a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, a loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
• Upper stomach pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting are symptoms of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas.
• Serious liver disorders include fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, weight loss without effort, black urine, eyes and skin turning yellow, and upper right-sided stomach pain.
• A severe skin reaction or allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, blisters, hives, sores, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Kazano. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Kazano, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Kidney problems.
• Liver disease or liver problems.
• Congestive heart failure or heart failure.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Pancreatitis.
• Gallstones.
• You should not take Kazano if you are allergic to alogliptin or metformin, or if you have severe renal disease or diabetic ketoacidosis (see your doctor).
• If you need to have any type of X-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking Kazano.
• It's best to limit, or even better avoid, drinking alcohol while you're taking Kazano (alogliptin/metformin).

Boxed Warning

Metformin should be stopped before iodinated contrast imaging for patients with an eGFR of 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m², liver illness, alcoholism, heart failure, or if intra-arterial contrast is employed. Lactic acidosis is a rare but dangerous risk associated with metformin, which is characterized by high blood lactate levels, low blood pH, and electrolyte abnormalities. Sepsis, dehydration, binge drinking, liver or renal damage, and severe cardiac failure are all risk factors. Fatigue, muscle soreness, respiratory distress, and stomach discomfort are all common symptoms. There is a risk of lactic acidosis, if so, discontinue alogliptin/metformin immediately and hospitalize the patient.

Serious kidney issues.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a sudden or long-term disorder characterized by excessive acid levels in the body.

Metformin typically begins to lower your blood sugar (glucose) levels during the first week of medication, but full benefits may take 2 to 3 months.

When Kazano is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Glipizide.
• Glyburide.

The typical starting dose is 12.5 mg/500 mg (alogliptin/metformin) taken orally twice daily with meals. Your doctor will modify your dosage based on your blood sugar levels.

The highest dosage form is 12.5 mg/1,000 mg metformin twice a day.

Take the medicine (with food) as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of Kazano.

There are several generic name versions available of Kazano.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

If you are or become pregnant, follow your doctor's instructions for using Kazano. Controlling diabetes is critical during pregnancy because excessive blood sugar levels can create difficulties for both the mother and the baby.

This medicine may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your risk.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.