saxagliptin hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, also called a gliptin.
Main use
Improving glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Food
The tablet can be taken with or without food.
Tablet handling
Swallow whole; do not split or cut the tablet.
What is saxagliptin hydrochloride used for?
Licensed as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes when additional glycaemic control is needed.
Used alone when metformin is inappropriate because of intolerance or a contraindication.
Used with other diabetes treatments, including insulin, when existing treatment does not provide adequate glycaemic control.
How does saxagliptin hydrochloride work?
Saxagliptin blocks the DPP-4 enzyme, slowing the breakdown of incretin hormones released after eating. This increases glucose-dependent insulin release and reduces glucagon, lowering fasting and post-meal blood glucose with less intrinsic risk of hypoglycaemia than treatments that stimulate insulin regardless of glucose level.
saxagliptin hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg
How to take saxagliptin hydrochloride
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions.
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water.
It may be taken with or without a meal.
Do not split or cut the tablet.
saxagliptin hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea
- Upper respiratory, sinus or urinary tract infection
- Rash or tiredness
- Low blood glucose, particularly when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
Get urgent medical advice
- Persistent severe abdominal pain, which may indicate acute pancreatitis
- A serious allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Blisters or skin erosion, which may indicate bullous pemphigoid
- New or worsening breathlessness, rapid weight increase or ankle swelling suggesting heart failure
- Severe or persistent joint pain
saxagliptin hydrochloride in pregnancy
Human pregnancy evidence is limited, and the product information advises avoiding saxagliptin unless it is clearly necessary. People planning pregnancy or who become pregnant should promptly contact their diabetes team. Treatment should not be stopped without advice because good glucose control remains important.
saxagliptin hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether saxagliptin enters human milk, and a risk to the infant cannot be excluded. A diabetes or maternity specialist should review treatment or breastfeeding plans, considering the benefits of breastfeeding and effective maternal glucose control.
saxagliptin hydrochloride interactions
Ask a prescriber or pharmacist to review all medicines because some combinations alter saxagliptin exposure or the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Insulin and sulfonylureas
The combination can increase the risk of low blood glucose, so the existing diabetes treatment may require clinical review.
Potent CYP3A4/5 inducers, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital
These may reduce saxagliptin exposure and its glucose-lowering effect; glycaemic control should be assessed carefully.
CYP3A4/5 inhibitors, including ketoconazole and diltiazem
These can increase saxagliptin exposure, so concurrent treatment should be reviewed for clinical relevance.
Common questions about saxagliptin hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is saxagliptin hydrochloride used for?
It improves blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise, either alone when metformin is unsuitable or with other diabetes treatments.
Can saxagliptin hydrochloride cause low blood sugar?
It has a low intrinsic risk when used alone, but hypoglycaemia becomes more likely when it is combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea.
Can saxagliptin hydrochloride be taken with food?
Yes. The tablet may be taken with or without a meal.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.