Onglyza (Saxagliptin)

This medicine is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this information. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.

CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU EAT GRAPEFRUIT OR DRINK GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while you are taking this medicine.

STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container away from heat, moisture, and light.

CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product.

DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and kidney function, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.

KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. It may be harder to control your blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk with your doctor about how to control your blood sugar if any of these occur. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor.

CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher or lower than they should be and you take this medicine exactly as prescribed, tell your doctor.

THE RISK OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR may be increased when this medicine is used along with certain other medicines for diabetes (eg, sulfonylureas). Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or increase hunger. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine.

FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy.

IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, or upper respiratory infection. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience frequent or painful urination, or swelling of the hands or feet.

AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.