Description
Onglyza contains saxagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor used with diet and exercise to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. It works with the gut hormones that prompt the pancreas to release insulin when blood glucose rises after a meal, and it reduces the glucose the liver releases between meals. Because it acts mainly after eating, saxagliptin on its own carries a low risk of hypoglycaemia, though that risk rises when it is combined with a sulfonylurea or with insulin.
The tablet is taken once a day, with or without food, at about the same time each day, and is swallowed whole. A lower strength is used where kidney function is reduced, so kidney function is checked before treatment and at intervals afterwards. Tell your prescriber if you have had pancreatitis or heart failure, if you take an antifungal or an HIV medicine, and report severe, persistent stomach pain.
- DPP-4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes, used with diet and exercise
- Contains saxagliptin, 2.5mg and 5mg tablets
- Taken once a day, with or without food; swallow whole
- A lower strength is used where kidney function is reduced
- Report severe, persistent stomach pain to a prescriber
- Tell your prescriber about heart failure or antifungal medicines
