Saxagliptin
About Saxagliptin
Saxagliptin is an oral prescription medicine used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels when used alongside a structured diet and exercise plan. This medication is not used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
To get the most benefit, you should take Saxagliptin consistently every day at the same time. You can take this tablet with or without food, making it easy to fit into your daily routine. Adopting a healthy diet and staying physically active are essential steps that work together with this medication to improve your overall blood sugar control.
Most people tolerate this medicine well, though some may experience mild side effects like upper respiratory tract infections or headaches. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe, ongoing joint pain or signs of an allergic reaction. There is also a small risk of serious inflammation of the pancreas, which requires urgent medical attention.
Before taking Saxagliptin, talk to your doctor if you have a history of pancreas problems, kidney disease, or heart failure. Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to this medication or similar blood sugar medicines in the past.
This medicine can interact with certain treatments for viral, fungal, or bacterial infections, which may change how the medication works in your body. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, consult your doctor before starting this treatment to ensure it is safe for you.
Uses of Saxagliptin
Medicinal Benefits
Saxagliptin helps improve blood sugar control by maintaining steady daily glucose levels and preventing sharp spikes. It also supports long-term health by reducing the risk of serious diabetes complications and protecting vital organs.
Benefits may include:
- Helps maintain steady daily blood sugar levels and prevents sharp spikes that cause fatigue or sluggishness.
- Reduces the long-term risk of serious diabetes complications, including nerve damage, kidney problems, and vision loss.
- Works naturally with your body's meals to release insulin only when blood sugar rises.
- Lowers the risk of sudden, unexpected drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Helps you manage your health with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Directions for Use
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet.
- You can take this medicine with or without food.
- Try to take your dose at the same time every day to establish a consistent routine.
- Always follow your doctor's exact instructions regarding how and when to take your medication. Do not change your dose or stop taking it without consulting them first.
Storage
Side Effects of Saxagliptin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upper respiratory tract infections (such as a runny nose, congested sinuses, or sore throat)
- Headache
- Urinary tract infections
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe, persistent pain in your stomach area that may spread to your back (a sign of pancreas inflammation)
- Severe or constant joint pain
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, skin rash, itching, or difficulty breathing
- Symptoms of heart failure, including shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, or swelling in your ankles or feet
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Watch for signs of heart failure: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sudden weight gain, swelling in your legs or feet, or difficulty breathing when lying down.
- Monitor for skin reactions: Check your skin regularly for blistering or peeling, as severe skin reactions have been reported in rare cases.
- Check kidney function: Your doctor may perform routine blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working before and during your treatment with Saxagliptin.
- Coordinate with surgeries: Inform your surgeon or dentist that you are taking Saxagliptin if you have an upcoming medical procedure, as your blood sugar management may need temporary adjustments.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction:
- Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, or atazanavir): These can significantly increase the level of Saxagliptin in your blood, raising the risk of side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
- Other diabetes medicines: When combined with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, Saxagliptin may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Drug-Food Interaction:
- No interaction found
Drug-Disease Interaction:
- Pancreatitis: If you have a history of pancreas inflammation, taking Saxagliptin may increase the risk of the condition returning.
- Kidney Disease: If you have moderate to severe kidney issues, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Saxagliptin to prevent the medicine from building up in your body.
- Heart Failure: This medicine should be used with caution if you have a history of heart failure, as it may worsen symptoms.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeSaxagliptin 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 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. 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
cautionCaution is to be taken in liver patients. Patients with severe liver problems are not advised to take this drug without doctor's consultation.
Kidney
cautionCaution is to be taken in kidney patients. Patients with reduced kidney function are advised to consult with a doctor before taking Saxagliptin as the doctor may decrease the dose as per his own judgment.
Children
cautionSaxagliptin is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. It is not known if this medicine is safe and effective when used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age; thus, doctor consultation is required.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Focus on complex carbohydrates: Choose whole grains, vegetables, and legumes instead of refined sugars and processed foods to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Stay active regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, each week, as physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively.
- Monitor your blood sugar: Keep a regular log of your blood sugar levels as advised by your healthcare team to track how well your treatment plan is working.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support kidney function and help your body manage blood sugar naturally.
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 utilised by the 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 also includes neuropathy (nerve problems), nephropathy (kidney problems), retinopathy (damaged retina of the eyes or blindness), loss of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and an increased chance of heart attack or stroke.
FAQs
Saxagliptin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Saxagliptin is prescribed for the condition of type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone cannot control their blood sugar levels.
Yes, Saxagliptin is known to cause stomach upset, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. To avoid these side effects, please take Saxagliptin with a meal. Also, for best results, Saxagliptin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals.
It is not recommended in patients with high levels of blood cholesterol, as Saxagliptin has been reported to increase blood cholesterol levels in a normal patient and thus is 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, as it may aggravate harmful side effects.
According to the American Diabetes Association, most of the studies carried out on Saxagliptin, and its ability to cause cancer concluded that Saxagliptin is not associated with any form of cancer and is, hence, safe to use in patients.
A patient who accidentally takes an overdose of 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.
Saxagliptin is not known to cause weight loss or weight gain. Maintain a proper weight by eating healthy food and exercising regularly.
Using Saxagliptin with insulin helps provide adequate glycaemic control when a single medicine is not effective. However, Saxagliptin should be taken with insulin only if advised by the doctor.
Saxagliptin is contraindicated in people who are allergic to any of its components.
Taking Saxagliptin with glipizide is beneficial as it helps in the better management of blood sugar levels. However, Saxagliptin should be taken with glipizide only if advised by the doctor.
Yes, Saxagliptin can be used with other diabetes medicines if prescribed by the doctor. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
The most common side effects of Saxagliptin are hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis (infection of nose and throat with common cold) and headache. Consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Yes, the use of Saxagliptin may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs of low blood sugar include dizziness, shaking, sweating, nervousness, fast heartbeat, irritability, and feeling hungry. If you experience these symptoms eat sugar candies, glucose biscuits or drink fruit juices; this will help balance the blood sugar level in your body.
Yes, but your doctor may need to prescribe a lower dose depending on how well your kidneys are functioning. Your kidney health will be monitored before and during your treatment. Talk to your doctor to see if a dose adjustment is necessary.
No, Saxagliptin is generally weight-neutral, meaning it does not typically cause weight gain, unlike some other diabetes medications. Talk to your doctor if you experience sudden or unexplained weight changes.
While Saxagliptin is unlikely to cause low blood sugar on its own, the risk increases if you take it with other diabetes medications. If you experience shakiness, sweating, or dizziness, treat it with a fast-acting sugar source like fruit juice or glucose tablets, and talk to your doctor.
Moderate alcohol consumption is usually acceptable, but heavy drinking can increase your risk of low blood sugar or pancreatitis. It is best to limit alcohol intake and talk to your doctor about what is safe for you.
There is limited research on the effects of Saxagliptin in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor to discuss safer alternatives for managing your blood sugar.
Saxagliptin begins to work within hours of taking your first dose to help control blood sugar after meals, but it may take several weeks of consistent use to see a significant improvement in your long-term HbA1c levels. Talk to your doctor about tracking your progress.
No, you should always swallow Saxagliptin whole. Splitting, crushing, or chewing the tablet can alter how the medicine is absorbed into your body. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble swallowing tablets.
You can take Saxagliptin at any time of the day, with or without food, but it is highly recommended to take it at the same time every day to keep a steady amount of medicine in your body. Talk to your doctor to find the best schedule for you.
