Saxagliptin/Metformin (By mouth)
sax-a-GLIP-tin hye-droe-KLOR-ide, met-FOR-min hye-droe-KLOR-ide
Treats type 2 diabetes.
Drug classes
Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Saxagliptin and metformin combination is used with diet and exercise to treat high blood sugar (glucose) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Saxagliptin helps to control blood sugar levels by making the pancreas gland release more insulin. It also signals the liver to stop producing sugar when there is too much sugar in the blood. Metformin reduces the absorption of sugar from the stomach, reduces the release of stored sugar from the liver, and helps your body use sugar better. This medicine does not help patients who have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Long Acting Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk. Take this medicine with the evening meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration.
Missed dose: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose as the regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how saxagliptin/metformin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Amiloride, cimetidine, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycin Itraconazole, ketoconazole, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin Blood pressure medicine, including beta-blocker medicine Insulin or other diabetes medicineSome medicines may affect your blood sugar level, including a diuretic (water pill), birth control pills, corticosteroid (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone), phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine), thyroid medicine, niacin, and isoniazid.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while you are using this medicine. Too much alcohol increases your risk of lactic acidosis.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to saxagliptin or metformin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, heart failure, adrenal or pituitary gland disease, high cholesterol, or a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, or alcoholism.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Lactic acidosis (rare problem with too much acid in the blood, which can be life-threatening) Pancreatitis Low blood sugar levels Low vitamin B12 levels Serious allergic reactions, including skin reactionsMake sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an x-ray or a CT scan.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, painful or difficult urination
Fast breathing, trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, severe weakness, tiredness, or confusion
Paleness, feeling tired or weak
Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, faintness, hunger, confusion
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Kombiglyze XR
There may be other brand names for this medicine.