Treats high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Used together with diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels.
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to saxagliptin. Do not use this medicine if you have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
How to Use This Medicine
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, cut, or split it.
- Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet or exercise program.
- This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.
If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you also use medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Crixivan®, Fortovase®, Invirase®, Norvir®, or Viracept®), medicine to treat an infection (such as clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, telithromycin, Biaxin®, Ketek®, Nizoral®, or Sporanox®), or medicine to treat depression (such as nefazodone, Serzone®).
- Make sure your doctor knows if you use other medicines to treat your diabetes, such as insulin, chlorpropamide, glipizide, glyburide, tolbutamide, Diabenese®, Diabeta®, Glynase®, Micronase®, or Orinase®.
Warnings While Using This Medicine
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, gallstones, high triglycerides or fats in the blood, or a history of angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) to similar medicines, such as linagliptin, sitagliptin, or Januvia®. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
- Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, or lightheadedness. These may be signs of pancreatitis.
- Tell your doctor if you have a fever, any kind of infection, or an injury while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor that you use this medicine before you have any surgery.
- Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
- Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.You will also need to check your blood sugar regularly at home.
- This medicine is only part of a complete program to help control diabetes. It is important that you always eat a healthy diet, watch your weight, and get regular exercise.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Change in how much or how often you urinate
- Fast heartbeat, cold sweats, or shakiness
- Increased hunger or thirst
- Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Cough, stuffy or runny nose, or sore throat
- Mild skin rash