Indications
Kazano is an oral medication prescribed to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients: alogliptin and metformin.
Alogliptin works to increase levels of a substance called incretins whose job it is to control your blood sugar by increasing the release of insulin as well as decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Metformin works by decreasing the production of glucose by the liver and decreasing absorption of glucose in the intestines. The combination of the two drugs can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for Type 2 diabetes.
Kazano is taken orally and is meant to be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to control high blood sugar levels.
Use and Dosage
Kazano is available in tablet form and should be taken by mouth as prescribed by your doctor, generally twice a day with meals. While taking Kazano, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The tablet should not be broken or cut before taking it. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, inform your doctor.
The dosage of Kazano is determined based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all the products you are using, including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products.
To reduce the risk of side effects, such as an upset stomach, your doctor may suggest beginning the medication at a low dose and gradually increasing it. To experience the most benefit, take the tablet regularly and at the same time each day. Follow your diabetes management plan, including medications, exercise, and diet.
Your doctor will guide you on checking your blood sugar levels regularly. Keep track of your blood sugar results and share them with your doctor. If your blood sugar measurements frequently border on too high or too low, notify your doctor. They may need to make changes to your diabetes medication, exercise routine, or diet.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Kazano (Metformin Hydrochloride/Alogliptin benzoate):
- Back pain
- Cold symptoms (stuffy nose sinus pain sore throat)
- Diarrhea
- Having gas
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Indigestion
- Lack of energy
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Kazano (Metformin Hydrochloride/Alogliptin benzoate):
- Dark urine
- Feeling cold
- Feeling dizzy
- Light-headed
- Loss of appetite
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Severe or ongoing pain in your joints
- Shortness of breath (even while lying down)
- Slow or irregular heart rate
- Stomach pain
- Swelling in your legs or feet, rapid weight gain
- Tiredness
- Trouble breathing
- Unusual muscle pain
- Upper stomach pain
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Forms and Strength
Kazano (Metformin Hydrochloride/Alogliptin benzoate) is available in the following forms and strength:
Kazano: Tablet
- 12.5mg/1000mg
Cautions
- Lactic acidosis: Kazano may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious complication that can occur when there is an excess of lactic acid in the blood.
- Renal impairment: Kazano should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment, as metformin is excreted unchanged in the urine and can accumulate in patients with reduced kidney function.
- Hypoglycemia: Kazano can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), particularly in combination with insulin or other medications that lower blood sugar.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Kazano may cause a decrease in vitamin B12 levels, which can lead to anemia and other complications.
- Heart failure: Kazano should be used with caution in patients with a history of heart failure, as it may increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
- Hypersensitivity: Kazano should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to alogliptin or metformin.
- Hepatic impairment: Kazano should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as metformin is primarily cleared by the liver.
- Surgery and contrast agents: Kazano should be discontinued before undergoing surgery or any radiological procedure involving the use of intravascular iodinated contrast agents.
- Pregnancy and nursing: Kazano should not be used during pregnancy or nursing, as there is limited information on the safety and efficacy of this medication during those times.
- Use in elderly: Kazano should be used with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of metformin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should Kazano be taken?
The recommended starting dose of Kazano is one tablet taken twice daily with meals. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage as needed based on your blood sugar levels and response to the medication.
Can Kazano be taken on an empty stomach?
Kazano should be taken with meals to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and nausea.
Is Kazano safe for use in elderly patients?
Kazano should be used with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of metformin.
Can Kazano cause weight gain?
Kazano is not known to cause weight gain, and in fact, metformin may help promote weight loss in some patients.
How long does it take for Kazano to start working?
Kazano may start to lower blood sugar levels within a few days of starting the medication, but it may take several weeks to see the full effect.
Resources
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/kazano
- https://www.rxlist.com/kazano-side-effects-drug-center.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-163396/kazano-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/203414s000lbl.pdf
- https://www.drugs.com/kazano.html
- https://www.goodrx.com/kazano/what-is
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=83cb7914-a683-47bb-a713-f2bc6a596bd2
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