Saxagliptin

💊 What is Saxagliptin used for?

• •The label says saxagliptin is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The label says it is not recommended for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (high ketones in the blood or urine). It is not known if it is safe and effective in children.

How it works

The label describes saxagliptin as an orally active inhibitor of the DPP-4 enzyme.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says to take saxagliptin by mouth one time each day, exactly as your healthcare provider directs. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew it. Do not change your dose without talking to your healthcare provider. Your provider should check your kidney function before and during treatment, because a lower dose may be needed if your kidneys are not working well.

Comes as

• •2.5 mg pale yellow to yellow, round, film-coated tablets marked "G74" on one side in blue ink
• •5 mg pink, round, film-coated tablets marked "G75" on one side in blue ink

⚠️ Saxagliptin side effects

🛑 Who should not take Saxagliptin, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have had a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, or exfoliative skin conditions) to saxagliptin or any of its ingredients. The label lists this as a reason not to take it.
• 🚨You have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. The label says saxagliptin is not recommended for these conditions.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallstones, a history of alcoholism, or high blood triglyceride levels. Also tell them if you have heart failure or kidney problems, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed. Tell them about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your provider and pharmacist.

🔀 Saxagliptin with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and telithromycin. The label says these can significantly increase saxagliptin levels, and the dose may need to be limited.
• •Insulin or insulin secretagogues, such as sulfonylureas. The label says a lower dose of insulin or the secretagogue may be needed to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.
• •Antibiotics, medicines that treat fungus, and HIV/AIDS medicines. The label says your saxagliptin dose might need to be changed if you start or stop these.

Alcohol and food

The label says saxagliptin can be taken with or without food. The label lists a history of alcoholism as something to tell your provider about before starting, because it is a risk factor for pancreatitis.

🤰 Saxagliptin in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says it is not known if saxagliptin will harm an unborn baby. It notes that poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy carries risks for both the mother and the baby. If you are pregnant, the label says to talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to control your blood sugar.

Breastfeeding

The label says saxagliptin may pass into breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while you take it.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store saxagliptin tablets at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with brief excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

If a dose is missed

The label says that if you miss a dose, take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.

If too much is taken

The label says that if an overdose happens, contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 or get medical help right away. Advice is also available at poisonhelp.org. The label says saxagliptin and its active metabolite can be removed by hemodialysis.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Saxagliptin

• Am I at higher risk for pancreatitis or heart failure because of my health history?
• How often will my kidney function be checked while I take this medicine?
• Which of my current medicines could interact with saxagliptin?
• What should I do if I start or stop an antibiotic or an antifungal medicine?
• If I take insulin or a sulfonylurea, will my dose of that medicine need to change?
• What signs of low blood sugar should I watch for, and what should I do if they happen?
• What should I do if I think I may be pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

❓ Saxagliptin: frequently asked questions