Saxagliptin And Metformin (Oral Route)

Saxagliptin and Metformin is an antidiabetic medicine approved for treating type 2 diabetes, along with correct diet and adequate exercise. 

Saxagliptin and Metformin is a combination of two different medicines. Saxagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor while Metformin is a biguanide. 

Metformin reduces absorption of blood sugar (glucose) in the intestines and production in the liver and increases sensitivity to insulin, while Saxagliptin works by increasing insulin (the hormone responsible for transporting glucose to cells) levels. 

Type 2 diabetes results to uncontrollably elevated blood sugar levels due to resistance to insulin’s effects and reduced levels of insulin. Antidiabetic medications like Saxagliptin and Metformin helps increases insulin levels and improve body’s response to insulin to lower blood sugar levels. 

Saxagliptin and Metformin require a prescription. 

Saxagliptin and Metformin must be used only according to doctor’s instructions. 

Saxagliptin and Metformin are not suitable for use in cases where blood sugar levels are very high or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Saxagliptin and Metformin do not work fast enough to lower blood sugar levels or quickly produce insulin to address diabetic ketoacidosis. If your blood sugar levels are too high or if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, call your doctor right away.

Rarely, patients taking Metformin develop lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis happens when the body becomes too acidic due to the buildup of lactate, and this condition can be fatal. Call your doctor if you experience symptoms of nausea, trouble breathing, stomach pain and severe fatigue, even if it is mild.

Things like congestive heart failure, dehydration, drinking large quantities of alcohol, severe infection, problems with the kidney or liver can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. 

You cannot take Saxagliptin and Metformin if you have allergies to those drugs. 

Saxagliptin and Metformin is not approved for patients younger than 18 years old. 

Tell your doctor all your health problems before receiving Saxagliptin and Metformin. The doctor need to know if you have these following conditions:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Elevated triglycerides 
• Having gallstones
• If you are drinking plenty of alcohol or are alcoholic
• If you are over 80 years old 

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving Saxagliptin and Metformin. Saxagliptin and Metformin is somewhat safe for pregnant patients as it is an FDA pregnancy category B drug. Blood sugar needs during pregnancy are also different. Do not breastfeed while taking Saxagliptin and Metformin because it can be expressed in breast milk.

Note that you may have to stop Saxagliptin and Metformin temporarily when you will have surgery or procedures that require injecting a dye or contrast agent into your veins. Tell your caregivers that you take Saxagliptin and Metformin. 

Tell the doctor if you take significant quantities of alcohol or tobacco before receiving Saxagliptin and Metformin. Alcohol intake significantly raises the risk of lactic acidosis. Excess alcohol intake can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Tell all the medicines you take before receiving Saxagliptin and Metformin. Tell the doctor if you take the following medications:

• Bexarotene
• Diatrizoate
• Gatifloxacin
• Iodamide
• Iodipamide
• Iodixanol
• Iohexol
• Iopamidol
• Iopramide
• Iothalamate
• Ioversol
• Ioxaglate
• Ioxilan
• Metrizamide

Saxagliptin and Metformin is taken by mouth. The doctor will determine your dose of Saxagliptin and Metformin. Always follow the doctor’s prescribed dose and do not take more or less of the drug. 

Saxagliptin and Metformin is usually taken once a day. Always take Saxagliptin and Metformin with a meal. If you are prescribed with extended-release Saxagliptin and Metformin, always chew the tablets whole.

Hypoglycemia is always a possibility in diabetes patients. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, difficulty thinking, paleness, hunger, sweating, and headache. Be sure to keep a ready source of sugar such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins or non-diet soda that you consume in case hypoglycemia occurs. 

In the case of severe hypoglycemia, and you cannot eat or drink, you must use a glucagon injection. Make sure to teach your family how to help you in case hypoglycemia occurs. If you missed a dose of Saxagliptin and Metformin, take it as soon as you remember with food. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and follow regular dosing.

If you took too much Saxagliptin and Metformin, you might experience an overdose. In case this happens, call your doctor right away.  

Store Saxagliptin and Metformin away from moisture and heat.

If you have diabetes, and you are receiving antidiabetic medications like Saxagliptin and Metformin, it is very important to maintain open communication with your doctor. Report to your doctor if you experience hypoglycemia and other untoward symptoms. 

Always check your blood sugar levels regularly and frequently, especially if you are stressed, ill, taking medications or have had surgery. These things can change your blood sugar levels, so call your doctor to change your dose of antidiabetic medicines. Do not change your dose of Saxagliptin and Metformin without asking your doctor. 

Avoid drinking alcohol while receiving Saxagliptin and Metformin. Alcohol can lower your blood sugar that increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Alcohol also increases the risk of lactic acidosis.

These following side effects are serious and require immediate medical attention:

• Severe allergic reaction such as hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, mouth, nose and throat
• Pancreatitis symptoms such as severe pain in upper stomach that spread to the back, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and rapid heart rate
• Lactic acidosis symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness, numbness or cold feeling in the arms or legs, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, tiredness, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and slow, uneven heart rate
• Symptoms of potential heart problems such as shortness of breath at rest, weakness, rapid weight gain, swelling of the feet, legs, and abdomen
• Severe and ongoing joint pain
• Painful urination

Saxagliptin and Metformin may cause the following side effects that are minor and not harmful to health:

• Diarrhea
• Mild nausea
• Headache
• Stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing

These following side effects are serious and require immediate medical attention:

• Severe allergic reaction such as hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, mouth, nose and throat
• Pancreatitis symptoms such as severe pain in upper stomach that spread to the back, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and rapid heart rate
• Lactic acidosis symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness, numbness or cold feeling in the arms or legs, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, tiredness, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and slow, uneven heart rate
• Symptoms of potential heart problems such as shortness of breath at rest, weakness, rapid weight gain, swelling of the feet, legs, and abdomen
• Severe and ongoing joint pain
• Painful urination

Saxagliptin and Metformin may cause the following side effects that are minor and not harmful to health:

• Diarrhea
• Mild nausea
• Headache
• Stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing