Brand: Onglyza
Generic: Saxagliptin
Onglyza is a hypoglycemic drug used with proper diet and exercise for the treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.
This drug helps to control blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and release in the pancreas gland.
This drug also signals the liver to stop glucose production. This drug is not effective against insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes. This drug requires a prescription.
Before using Onglyza, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of saxagliptin have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.
Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of saxagliptin. Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney problems.
Indications of harm to the fetus have not been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding.
Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Inform your healthcare professional if you have any other medical problems such as excessive use of alcohol, gallstones, hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatitis, or kidney disease.
To use Onglyza properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
The special meal plan given to you must be followed, since it is the most important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary for the drug to work properly.
Regular exercise and blood or urine glucose monitoring are recommended. The tablet must be swallowed whole. Breaking, cutting, or chewing the drug is not recommended. You can take this drug with or without food.
The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.
Adults with type 2 diabetes are given 2.5 or 5 milligrams once a day. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.
Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.
Before using Onglyza, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare professional to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood and urine tests.
Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of pancreatitis such as sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, or lightheadedness.
Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of serious allergic reactions such as rash, itching, a large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, skin flaking or peeling, trouble with breathing, or chest tightness while you are using this drug.
This drug may cause hypoglycemia. This can also occur if you delay or miss a meal or snack, drink alcohol, exercise more than usual, take certain drugs, or take saxagliptin together with other types of diabetes drugs.
Hypoglycemia can manifest as anxiety, behavior change similar to being drunk, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, cool, pale skin, difficulty with thinking, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, restless sleep, shakiness, slurred speech, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Talk to your healthcare professional about ways to treat low blood sugar. Call your healthcare professional immediately if you have severe joint pain with this drug. Inform the medical healthcare professional in charge that you are taking this drug before having any medical tests since the results of some tests may be affected by this drug.
Consult with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Onglyza. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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