Diabetes

Diabetes medicines are used to help manage blood sugar levels and support better glucose control. Along with medicine, a suitable diet, regular activity and routine blood sugar checks can all play an important part in diabetes management.

The products in this category are oral medicines for type 2 diabetes, including alogliptin, miglitol and sitagliptin.

Diabetes Medicines Available

Our range includes:

• Alogliptin 6.25mg
• Miglitol 25mg
• Sitagliptin 25mg
• Sitagliptin 50mg
• Sitagliptin 100mg

These medicines work in different ways, so the right option and strength will depend on your condition, blood sugar levels and other medicines you may be taking.

How Do Diabetes Medicines Work?

Certain diabetes drugs enhance the body’s response to insulin, and some change how glucose is given off or taken in. Alogliptin and sitagliptin are two drugs that fall under the class of DPP-4 inhibitors or gliptins for short. They work by helping the body to secrete more insulin when the sugar level in the blood is high and simultaneously they decrease the effect of glucagon.

Benefits of Diabetes Medicines

These drugs when combined with a proper treatment plan, may provide these benefits:

• Help controlling blood sugar levels.
• Lower elevated blood glucose.
• Assist diabetes management in combination with diet and exercise.
• Contribute to maintaining stable glucose levels all day long.

For instance, Sitagliptin is a drug prescribed with diet and exercise for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

How to Use Diabetes Medicines

Take the medication in the same way that your doctor tells you to. The dose may vary as the type of medicine, kidney function, and other treatments as well as the individual needs.

Usually, some tablets may be taken either with food or on an empty stomach. Yet, always adhere to the instructions given with your medication. Never alter the dose or stop the medication without doctor’s advice.

For missing a dose, please refer to the directions given by your physician or pharmacist and avoid taking an extra dose.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects depend on the medicine you are taking. Some people may experience:

• Headache
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Diarrhoea
• Cold-like symptoms
• Dizziness

DPP- 4 inhibitors such as sitagliptin and alogliptin can sometimes cause headache, sore throat, runny nose or body aches.

If a side effect is severe or doesn’t go away, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Important Precautions

Please inform your physician if you have problems with your kidneys or liver, are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, or taking other diabetes medicines. Your doctor may need to give you a different dose based on your kidney functioning. The lower doses of sitagliptin and alogliptin are typically administered to patients with much reduced kidney function.

Do not take more than one diabetes medicine at the same time unless your doctor has to be exactly advised on the combination.

Storage

Keep diabetes tablets in their original packaging and store them according to the instructions on the label.

For Australian sitagliptin products, storage instructions can vary by product, with some products specifying storage below 25°C or 30°C.

Keep medicines away from children, moisture and excessive heat, and don’t use them after the expiry date.

FAQs

Can diabetes tablets replace a healthy diet?

No. Diabetes medicine works alongside a suitable diet and regular physical activity. It isn’t a replacement for healthy habits.

Why are there different strengths of sitagliptin?

Different strengths may be prescribed depending on the person’s condition and kidney function. Your doctor decides which strength is appropriate.

Is alogliptin the same as sitagliptin?

No. Both are DPP-4 inhibitors and work in a similar general way, but they are different medicines and should not be swapped without medical advice.

Can I take diabetes medicine if I am already using insulin?

Some diabetes medicines can be used alongside insulin, but the combination should be decided by your healthcare professional. Sitagliptin, for example, may be used with insulin in certain treatment plans.

What should I do if my blood sugar stays high?

Don’t increase your medicine yourself. Keep checking your blood sugar as advised and speak with your doctor if your readings remain higher than your recommended range.

Do diabetes medicines need to be taken at the same time every day?

Many diabetes medicines work best when taken on a regular schedule. Follow the timing given by your doctor or pharmacist and check the product instructions if you’re unsure.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Diabetes medicines should be used only as directed by a qualified healthcare professional. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.