It functions by boosting the body's post-meal insulin production when blood sugar levels are high. People with diabetes and high blood sugar over time may develop serious or life-threatening complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney issues, nerve damage, and eye issues. A group of drugs known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors includes saxagliptin. Saxagliptin is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can arise if high blood sugar is not treated, or type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the body does not produce insulin and is unable to control the amount of sugar in the blood. Patients with type 2 diabetes (condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or use insulin normally) can lower their blood sugar levels by taking saxagliptin in addition to diet and exercise. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This treatment may also lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other diabetes-related complications like kidney failure, nerve damage (resulting in numb, cold legs or feet and decreased sexual ability in both men and women), eye issues, such as changes in vision or loss of vision, and gum disease. The best way to manage your diabetes will be discussed with you by your doctor and other medical professionals.
Other names for this medication:
Kombiglyze, Komboglyze, Onglyza, Qtern, Qternmet
Similar Products:
Amaryl, Januvia, Precose, Glucophage, Glyburide, Glycomet, Glucovance, Acarbose, Glimepiride, Glipizide, Repaglinide, Sitagliptin, Irbesartan
It was discovered and developed through Phase 1 and Phase 2 by Pfizer. Its metabolism, excretion and pharmacokinetics in rat, dog and human have been described. It is in the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (also called gliptins).
Pancreatitis: Saxagliptin-metformin can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Vitamin B12 levels: Metformin may decrease vitamin B12 levels.
Administration Oral: Administer in the morning with food. Initiation of this combination product is intended for patients who are already on metformin. Otherwise, skip the dose and resume therapy with the next dose taken at the usual time.
A new Warning and Precaution regarding this potential risk has been added to the labels Kombiglyze XR and other drugs in this class. According to the alert, the FDA had identified 33 cases of severe arthralgia reported with the use of DPP-4 inhibitors from October 16, 2006, through December 31, 2013. It was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2010 for the treatment of adults with Type 2 diabetes. U.S. health regulators are currently investigating a potential association between the use of saxagliptin and an increased risk of heart failure. The agency acted after a large clinical trial suggested that patients taking saxagliptin were 27% more likely to be hospitalized as a result of this complication.
FDA officials also acknowledged a rise in the rate of “all-cause mortality” among study participants who took Onglyza or Kombiglyze XR. Despite record sales throughout the U.S., Onglyza and other DPP-4 inhibitors have dangerous side effects. If you or a loved one suffered heart failure after taking Onglyza or Kombiglyze XR, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your injuries.