Metformin+saxagliptin
About Metformin+saxagliptin
Metformin+saxagliptin is a prescription oral medication used to manage high blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. This medicine helps control glucose levels when diet and exercise alone are not enough to keep blood sugar within a safe range. It is not used for treating type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
To get the best results, you must take Metformin+saxagliptin consistently every day exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. It is typically taken with meals to reduce the chance of getting an upset stomach. Combining this medication with healthy dietary choices and regular physical activity is essential to achieve long-term success.
While taking Metformin+saxagliptin, some people may experience mild side effects, such as a stuffy nose or an upset stomach. However, you must seek medical care immediately if you experience severe symptoms, such as persistent, severe stomach pain that radiates to your back, as this can be a sign of a serious pancreas condition. Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms that do not go away.
Before starting Metformin+saxagliptin, talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, liver damage, or heart problems. Do not take this if you have severe kidney failure, acute metabolic acidosis, or if you are allergic to any of its components. Your doctor will evaluate your health history to ensure this treatment is safe for you.
This medicine can interact with alcohol, contrast dyes used in medical scans, and certain other medications, which may increase the risk of a rare but serious medical emergency called lactic acidosis. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, consult your doctor or pharmacist to discuss if this medication is safe for you.
Uses of Metformin+saxagliptin
Medicinal Benefits
Metformin+saxagliptin helps manage type 2 diabetes by combining two complementary blood sugar-lowering medicines in a single tablet. With regular use, it supports consistent blood sugar control, simplifies your treatment routine, and helps protect against long-term diabetes-related complications.
- Convenient Dual-Action Blood Sugar Control: By combining two different blood sugar-lowering mechanisms into one daily tablet, this medicine helps maintain blood sugar levels within the target range while reducing the need for multiple medications.
- Supports Consistent Diabetes Management: This medicine provides effective day-to-day blood sugar control, helping you maintain better overall health and an active lifestyle.
- Protection Against Long-Term Diabetes Complications: By keeping blood sugar levels under control over time, this medicine helps reduce the risk of nerve damage, kidney impairment, vision loss, and cardiovascular complications.
Directions for Use
- Take Metformin+saxagliptin with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- It is advised to take Metformin+saxagliptin once daily; however, follow your doctor's recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Metformin+saxagliptin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhoea
- Headache
- Stuffy or runny nose and sore throat
- Mild joint pain
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Severe, persistent pain in your stomach area that may spread to your back
- Severe, disabling joint pain
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe skin rash, or difficulty breathing
- Unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, deep and rapid breathing, extreme tiredness, or feeling cold
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check tablet appearance: Always inspect your tablets before taking them; do not use them if the packaging is damaged or if the tablets look discoloured or broken.
- Monitor for lactic acidosis: Be aware of signs of lactic acidosis, such as unexplained muscle pain, fast breathing, or a slow heartbeat, and contact your doctor immediately if they occur.
- Avoid excessive alcohol: Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as alcohol can significantly increase your risk of lactic acidosis and low blood sugar.
- Pause before medical procedures: Tell your surgeon or dentist you are taking Metformin+saxagliptin before any scheduled surgery, or if you need an imaging test using contrast dye, as you may need to temporarily stop taking this medication.
- Check kidney function regularly: Ensure you attend your scheduled blood tests so your doctor can monitor your kidney health while you are on this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Insulin or sulfonylureas: Combining these with Metformin+saxagliptin may increase the risk of low blood sugar.
- Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole): Can increase the levels of certain components of Metformin+saxagliptin in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (such as topiramate): May increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeMetformin+saxagliptin is not advised to be taken with alcohol as it causes bizarre interactions. Both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur, depending on how much and how often you drink.
Pregnancy
cautionNo harmful interaction has been reported in pregnant mothers, yet the patient is advised to consult a doctor before taking this drug during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionNo harmful interaction has been reported in breastfeeding mothers, yet the patient is advised to consult a doctor before taking this drug.
Driving
cautionCaution is to be taken. If a patient feels dizzy while taking Metformin+saxagliptin, do not drive or use any tools or machines. Hypoglycaemia may affect your ability to drive and use machines or work with a safe foothold, and there is a risk of hypoglycaemia after taking this medicine in combination with other medicines known to cause hypoglycaemia, such as insulin and sulphonylureas.
Liver
cautionIt should be used with caution if you have liver conditions. Patients with severe liver problems are advised to take this drug with a doctor's consultation.
Kidney
cautionIt should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. Patients with reduced kidney function are advised to consult with a doctor before taking Metformin+saxagliptin as the doctor may decrease the dose as per his own judgment.
Children
cautionMetformin+saxagliptin is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years. It is not known if this medicine is safe and effective when used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Consult your doctor for more information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Monitor your carbohydrate intake: Focus on complex carbohydrates like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, which release glucose slowly and help prevent sudden blood sugar spikes.
- Stay active regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming, every week to help your muscles use insulin more efficiently.
- Keep a regular meal schedule: Eating your meals at consistent times each day helps stabilise blood sugar levels and works in harmony with your medication.
- Track your blood sugar levels: Monitor and log your glucose readings as recommended by your doctor to see how your body responds to the treatment.
Special Advise
Continue to take Metformin+saxagliptin unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor, as a treatment for diabetes is usually lifelong.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes: It is a condition where the body is unable to make sufficient insulin, or the insulin that it makes doesn't work properly or is utilized by our body. This can cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. In some cases, there may be weight gain, while in rare cases, weight loss may be observed. The complication of type 2 diabetes includes neuropathy (nerve problems), nephropathy (kidney problems), retinopathy (damaged retina of eyes or blindness), loss of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and increased chance of heart attack or stroke.
FAQs
Metformin+saxagliptin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It is prescribed for the condition of type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone cannot control blood sugar levels.
Yes, Metformin+saxagliptin is known to cause stomach upset, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhoea. To avoid these side effects, please take Metformin+saxagliptin with a meal. Also, Metformin+saxagliptin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals to avoid any unpleasant side effects and for best results.
Metformin+saxagliptin has been reported to increase blood cholesterol levels in a normal patient and thus not recommended in patients with hyperlipidemia.
The patient is advised to take the missed dose as soon as possible; otherwise, jump to the next dose. A patient should never take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose. It may aggravate harmful side effects.
According to American Diabetes Association, most of the studies carried out on Metformin+saxagliptin and its ability to cause cancer resulted in a conclusion that Metformin+saxagliptin is not associated with any form of cancer & hence is safe to use.
A patient who accidentally takes an overdose of Metformin+saxagliptin may experience collapse, seizure attack, and troubled breathing. In such a case, without any delay, emergency health services must be contacted, and medical help should be sought.
Before taking Metformin+saxagliptin inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver problems, a history of pancreatitis (swollen pancreas), heart disease, alcohol use, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, mention any other medications you are taking, especially those for diabetes.
Metformin+saxagliptin is not advised to be used in individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, or serious skin conditions. Metformin+saxagliptin is also not recommended for those with renal dysfunction (kidney problems), pancreatitis, or pancreatic disease. Metformin+saxagliptin is also contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, always consult a healthcare provider before use.
Metformin+saxagliptin is not usually associated with significant weight gain. However, some people may experience mild weight changes. It is important to monitor any changes with your healthcare provider.
Metformin+saxagliptin may not be suitable for individuals with kidney problems, as it can impact kidney function. Metformin+saxagliptin should be used with caution or avoided in those with renal issues (kidney problems). Always, consult a physician if you have kidney concerns.
Yes, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine while taking Metformin+saxagliptin. Although Metformin+saxagliptin helps control blood sugar, proper diet and regular physical activity are crucial for managing diabetes and supporting overall health. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance in best manner on how to include these habits in your treatment plan.
You are recommended to take Metformin+saxagliptin for as long as it is advised by your doctor for effective results. If your symptoms continue or worsen, seek further advice from your doctor.
Metformin+saxagliptin, can be safe for the long-term if taken as advised by your doctor. However, potential risks include acute pancreatitis (swollen pancreas), kidney problems, and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Regular check-ups are essential to assess your health, especially if you have a history of kidney, liver, or heart issues. Always, follow your doctor's recommendations to manage any risks and ensure safe long-term use.
Metformin+saxagliptin causes side effects such as dizziness, sweating, palpitations, dry mouth and skin and hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels). Please, contact a doctor if these side effects or any other concerns persist for longer durations.
It is best to take Metformin+saxagliptin with meals. Taking it with food reduces the chances of experiencing a mild upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhoea. Talk to your doctor if you have persistent stomach discomfort.
Although Metformin+saxagliptin rarely causes low blood sugar on its own, it can happen if you take it with other diabetes medicines. If you feel shaky, sweaty, or dizzy, consume a fast-acting sugar source like fruit juice or hard candy, then talk to your doctor.
No, it is not recommended to drink large amounts of alcohol while taking Metformin+saxagliptin. Alcohol can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis and can also cause unstable blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor about safe alcohol consumption.
Metformin+saxagliptin is not prescribed for weight loss, though some patients may experience slight weight loss or a stable weight while taking it. Its primary goal is to manage blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor for advice on healthy weight management.
You should not stop taking Metformin+saxagliptin without consulting your healthcare provider, even if your blood sugar levels improve. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause your blood sugar to spike again. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
It is generally not recommended to take Metformin+saxagliptin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your doctor will likely suggest alternative ways to manage your blood sugar during this time. Talk to your doctor to discuss your options.
Signs of lactic acidosis include unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, deep and rapid breathing, severe tiredness, dizziness, or a sudden slow heartbeat. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical help. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Author Details
