Saxagliptin
About Saxagliptin
Saxagliptin contains saxagliptin, which belongs to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors 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. It is the first-line therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes that restores the body's response to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that controls sugar levels in your blood. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced is unable to perform its function in the body (insulin resistance). Middle-aged or older individuals are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, so it is also known as adult-onset diabetes.
Saxagliptin works by blocking the action of DPP-4 (an enzyme which destroys the hormone ‘Incretin’). The enzyme ‘Incretins’ helps to produce more insulin only when required and reduces blood sugar levels produced by the liver when not needed. Saxagliptin should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes and for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Saxagliptin should be taken with food or an empty stomach. However, it should be taken at the same time of the day each time for best results. For better advice, your doctor will decide what dose should be taken, and it can change timely depending upon your condition. 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.
Prolonged intake of Saxagliptin may cause acute pancreatitis (swollen pancreas), and critical kidney problem. Increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) can occur when Saxagliptin is added to other anti-diabetic agents or insulin therapy. In this case, your doctor may adjust the dose of Saxagliptin. Severe allergic reactions might occur in some patients taking Saxagliptin, like anaphylaxis, angioedema (swelling under the skin), and exfoliative skin conditions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Safety and efficacy of Saxagliptin in children under 18 years have not been established, so it should not be given to them. Patients taking digoxin (a heart medicine) with Saxagliptin should be closely monitored as severe drug interaction has been observed.
Uses of Saxagliptin
Medicinal Benefits
Saxagliptin works by blocking the action of DPP-4 (an enzyme which destroys the hormone ‘Incretin’). The enzyme ‘Incretins’ helps to produce more insulin only when required and reduces blood sugar levels produced by the liver when not needed. Thus, Saxagliptin plays a vital role in controlling blood sugar levels and prevents serious complications of diabetes like eyesight loss (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), diabetic foot ulcer and delayed wound healing.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Saxagliptin
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels)
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Nasopharyngitis (infection of the nose and throat with a common cold)
- Headache
Drug Warnings
Increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) can occur when Saxagliptin is added to other anti-diabetic agents or insulin therapy. In this case, your doctor may adjust the dose of Saxagliptin. Prolonged intake of Saxagliptin may cause acute pancreatitis (swollen pancreas) and critical kidney problems. Severe allergic reactions might occur in some patients taking Saxagliptin, like anaphylaxis, angioedema (swelling under the skin), and exfoliative skin conditions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Safety and efficacy of Saxagliptin in children under 18 years have not been established, so it should not be given to them. Patients taking digoxin (a heart medicine) with Saxagliptin should be closely monitored as severe drug interaction has been observed.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Saxagliptin interacts with an anti-depressant (bupropion), drugs used to treat glaucoma, antibiotics (cephalexin, ciprofloxacin), anti-acidity drugs (cimetidine), heart condition drugs (digoxin), anti-HIV drugs (dolutegravir), ethanol, saliva reducing drugs (glycopyrrolate), iodinated X-ray contrast agents, anti-epileptic drugs (topiramate, lamotrigine), heart-related chest medicine (ranolazine). Other drug interactions can contribute to increased low blood sugar, including sex hormones (androgens), anti-oxidants (alpha-lipoic acid), painkillers (aspirin), anti-TB drugs (prothionamide), growth hormones (pegvisomant), and other antidiabetic medicines.
Drug-Food Interaction: Intake of excessive alcoholic beverages may increase the chance of a life-threatening condition known as Lactic Acidosis. So, avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Saxagliptin.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Saxagliptin should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis/pancreatic disease and renal dysfunction.
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
- Invest at least 150 min of your week in moderate-intensity physical activity or one hour and 15 minutes of high-intensity exercise every week.
- Losing weight gradually to achieve a healthy body mass index (18.5 to 24.9).
- Replacing refined carbohydrate-containing foods with whole grain foods and increasing intake of fruits and veggies and other fibre-enriched foods.
- Reduce your intake of saturated fat (or hidden fats) in foods like chips, crisps, pastries, biscuits, and samosas. Choose omega-3 fatty acid-containing oils for daily cooking. For frying, you can use palm oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, rice bran oil, and safflower oil.
- Avoid too much stress, as it may elevate your blood sugar level. You can adopt stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to control stress-related blood sugar changes.
- Opt for low-fat dairy products (low-fat yoghurt, fat-free milk and cheese etc.).
- Keep your blood pressure as normal (140/90) as possible, as it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases in diabetes patients.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes 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 also includes neuropathy (nerve problems), nephropathy (kidney problems), retinopathy (damaged retina of eyes or blindness), loss of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and an increase in the 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 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.
