Nesina | alogliptin  

Medication Class:  Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor
Similar Drugs: Sitagliptin (Januvia), Saxagliptin (Onglyza), Linagliptin (Tradjenta), Januvia (sitagliptin)
Manufacturer: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Approval Date: January 25, 2013        

Nesina (alogliptin) Side effects, Cost, Prescribing Information

What is Nesina and how does it work (mechanism of action)

Nesina is an oral prescription medication and it works by inhibiting DPP-4 enzyme. By doing so, it delays the inactivation of incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP, which regulate insulin and glucagon, lowering blood glucose. DPP-4 inhibitors increase the amount of two proteins (incretin hormones) found in the body, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). Incretin hormones tell the body to release insulin and lower blood glucose. GLP-1 also decreases the production of glucose and slows down the absorption of glucose.

Incretin hormones are removed from the body by an DPP-4. DPP-4 inhibitors like Nesina block this enzyme resulting in GLP-1 and GIP to stay in the body longer and therefore decrease blood glucose levels.

What does Nesina treat  

Nesina lowers fasting and post-prandial glucose in adults with type II diabetes. Nesina should not be used in adults with type I diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

How effective is Nesina

• In a 26-week study, improvements in fasting plasma glucose and Hb A1C < 7% were seen in the Nesina arm compared to placebo.
• In a 26-week study, improvements in fasting blood glucose and Hb A1C were seen when combined with Metformin 500 mg or 1000 mg, compared to Nesina or metformin alone.
• Co-administration of Nesina with metformin also showed improvements in 2-hour post-prandial glucose (PPG) compared to Nesina or metformin alone.

What are the side effects of Nesina

Common:

• Nasopharyngitis
• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Serious:

• Pancreatitis
• Hypersensitivity reactions

What is the dosage of Nesina

Forms and Strength: Nesina comes in dosage strengths of 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg and 25 mg film-coated tablets.

Dosing: The recommended dosage is 25 mg orally once daily with or without food in adults.

Dose adjustments may be necessary for individuals with poor kidney function.

Nesina drug interactions             

No significant drug-drug interactions are listed for Nesina.  

What is the price of Nesina

Nesina costs about $309.96 for a 30 day supply.

How to obtain prescription cost assistance for Nesina

Pay only $4 a month for up to 12 months with Takeda Diabetes Advantage Savings Card.

References

Nesina Package Insert and Medication Guide

Red Book. Micromedex 2.0 Online. Date accessed 09/16/2013.

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