Saxagliptin (By mouth)
sax-a-GLIP-tin
Treats type 2 diabetes.
Drug classes
Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Saxagliptin is used with proper 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. 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
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break or cut it.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
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 works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycinWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to saxagliptin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, high cholesterol, or a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, or alcoholism.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Pancreatitis Low blood sugar levels Serious allergic reactions, including skin reactionsYour 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, red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, lower back or side pain
Severe joint pain
Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, faintness, hunger, confusion
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
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
Onglyza
There may be other brand names for this medicine.