Saxagliptin tablet

What is this medicine?

SAXAGLIPTIN is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. It works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.

Saxagliptin is for people with type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes used in combination with other diabetes medications, but is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

You should not use Saxagliptin if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to saxagliptin, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

To make sure you can safely take Saxagliptin, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• pancreatitis;
• gallstones;
• high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood); or
• a history of alcoholism.

FDA pregnancy category B. Saxagliptin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether saxagliptin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Saxagliptin should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old without a doctor's advice.

How should I take this medicine?

Take Saxagliptin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break a Saxagliptin tablet. Swallow it whole.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.

Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Your doctor may want you to stop taking Saxagliptin for a short time if you become ill, have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency.

Saxagliptin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly other medications. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What may interact with this medicine?

Other drugs may increase or decrease the effects of Saxagliptin on lowering your blood sugar. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Saxagliptin: hives, a purple or red skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
• easy bruising or bleeding.

Common Saxagliptin side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough; or
• headache.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat