Saxagliptin
Information about Saxagliptin
Saxagliptin uses
Saxagliptin is used to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) not controlled by diet and exercise alone and in whom metformin cannot be given due to contradiction or intolerance. If diabetes is not adequately controlled by insulin or other oral antidiabetic medicines (metformin, thiazolidinedione or sulphonylurea) or their combination, then saxagliptin can be used in a dual or triple medicine combination.
. It is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.How saxagliptin works
Saxagliptin is an antidiabetic medication. It works by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas and decreasing the hormones that raise blood sugar levels. This reduces the fasting and postmeal sugar levels.
Common side effects of saxagliptin
Headache, Upper respiratory tract infection, Urinary tract infection, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Nausea, Vomiting, Sinus inflammation, Edema (swelling), Pancreatic inflammation, Dermatitis, Itching, Red spots or bumps, Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Bullous pemphigoid, Joint pain, Rhabdomyolysis
Available Medicine for Saxagliptin
Expert advice for Saxagliptin
- Saxagliptin should be taken at the same time every day since this helps you remember to take it.
- Be careful while driving or operating machinery until you know how Saxagliptin affects you.
- It may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
- Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor and anxiety.
- Inform your doctor if you notice joint pains or develop symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea and/or vomiting.
Frequently asked questions for Saxagliptin
Saxagliptin
Q. Does Saxagliptin cause any weight loss (reduction)?
No, Saxagliptin neither causes weight loss nor weight gain. It is weight neutral. However, weight gain can be seen when Saxagliptin is used with other antidiabetic medicines like thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas or insulin.
Q. What is the benefit of using Saxagliptin with insulin?
Saxagliptin when taken with insulin can help in lowering the insulin dose and decrease the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Consult your doctor as a dose adjustment of the two may be needed.
Q. Are there any contraindications to the use of Saxagliptin?
Yes, the use of Saxagliptin is contraindicated in some conditions like a history of allergy to Saxagliptin, any ingredients of this drug or to any other drug of the same class. Saxagliptin should also be avoided in patients with a history of pancreatitis.