SAXAGLIPTIN

Please see Precautions section.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

It is advised to consult your doctor or pharmacist when any of these side effect manifest.

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is a rare side effect for this drug, but in cases when symptoms hypoglycemia occur, It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar.  Low blood sugar is more likely if you drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise, or do not consume enough calories from food. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• sudden sweating,
• shaking,
• fast heartbeat,
• hunger,
• blurred vision,
• dizziness, or
• tingling hands/feet

On the other hand, hyperglycemia or high blood sugar can occur if the patient does not take the drug regularly, or when condition cannot be controlled by this drug any longer. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:

• thirst,
• increased urination,
• confusion,
• drowsiness,
• flushing,
• rapid breathing, and
• fruity breath odor

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• signs of disease of the pancreas (such as severe stomach/abdominal pain which may spread to the back, persistent nausea/vomiting)

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions:

General:

Patient may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar and pancreatitis.

It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

• Allergy: Before taking saxagliptin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
• Medical History:Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: kidney disease, disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), risk factors for pancreatitis (such as stones in your gallbladder, regular use/abuse of alcohol, high levels of fats/triglycerides in the blood), heart disease (heart failure).

Pregnancy Risk: Category B- No proven risk in humans. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.

Breastfeeding: It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

• Should not be taken with Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) as this may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia).

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Attend a diabetes education program or talk to your doctor to learn more about diabetes and the important aspects of its treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and getting regular eye/foot/medical exams. Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. Laboratory tests (such as kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands:

Available Brands

• Onglyza [ AstraZeneca ]