What is Saxagliptin?
In adults with type 2 diabetes, saxagliptin is used in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control. Saxagliptin is not approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Saxagliptin is sometimes combined with other diabetes medications. Saxagliptin works by increasing levels of incretins, which are naturally occurring substances. Incretins aid in blood sugar control by increasing insulin release, particularly after a meal. They also reduce the amount of sugar your liver produces.
Saxagliptin Uses
Saxagliptin is used to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, along with a proper diet and exercise program. Controlling high blood sugar levels can help prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, limb loss, and sexual function issues. Diabetes control may also reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
How to take
- Before you start taking doses of saxagliptin, read the Medication Guide, if available also read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist.
- As directed by your doctor, take this medication orally, with or without food, once daily.
- Do not break the tablet before taking it. Many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can, however, be split/cut.
- The dosage is determined by your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you are taking.
- To get the most out of this medication, take it on a regular basis. Take it at the same time. Follow your doctor's medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program.
Saxagliptin Side Effects
- Anxiety
- Bloating or swelling of the face
- Blurred vision
- Body aches or pain
- Chills
- Confusion
- Pale skin
- Cough
- Depression
- Difficulty with breathing
- Dizziness
- Ear congestion
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- Headache
- Increased hunger
- Lower back or side pain
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Seizures
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Tingling of the hands or feet
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Weight gain or loss
Precautions:
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to saxagliptin or if you have any other allergies before taking it. Inactive ingredients present in this product might cause allergic reactions or some other problems.
- Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, such as: kidney disease, pancreas disease, risk factors for pancreatitis (such as gallbladder stones, high levels of fats/triglycerides in the blood), and heart failure.
- Due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels, you may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you have healed.
- Limit your alcohol consumption while taking this medication because it increases your chances of developing low blood sugar and pancreatitis.
- When your body is stressed, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor.
- This medication should not be used during pregnancy.
- Diabetes can be caused or worsened during pregnancy.During your pregnancy, your doctor may change your diabetes treatment (such as diet and medications including insulin).
- It is not known that this medication is excreted in breast milk or not. Before breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
Interactions:
- Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, and glaucoma eye drops like timolol) can help prevent the fast or pounding heartbeat that occurs when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). These medications have no effect on other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating.
- Many drugs can have an effect on your blood sugar, making it more difficult to control. Before beginning, discontinuing, or changing any medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Regularly check your blood sugar levels and share the results with your doctor. If you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar, contact your doctor right away.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take any dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Pregabalin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some serious medical emergency.
Storage:
The medicine should not come in direct contact with heat, air, light and may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine might cause some harmful effects or serious side effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Saxagliptin vs Sitagliptin
Saxagliptin |
Sitagliptin |
---|---|
Saxagliptin belongs to a class of medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. | Sitagliptin belongs to a class of drugs known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. |
Saxagliptin is a medicine that is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. | Sitagliptin is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. |
Saxagliptin increases the amount of insulin produced by the body after meals. | It works by increasing the amount of certain natural substances that lower blood sugar levels when they are elevated. |