Saxagliptin

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Molecule Description

Saxagliptin is an anti-diabetic medicine used along with exercise and diet to control diabetes.

Uses

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or use insulin usually)
This medicine is given if the diabetes is not adequately controlled with one anti-diabetic medication, diet and exercise

Contraindications

When should one not use Saxagliptin

Type I diabetes mellitus
Allergic reaction to Saxagliptin
Any severe infection
Diabetic coma

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Common side effects of this medicine are headache, infection of the urinary tract, burning during the passage of urine, infection of sinuses, throat (sore throat, cough), nausea, stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea, and bloating, indigestion, allergic reactions, joint pain
Be watchful for symptoms of low blood sugar like trembling, sweating, anxiety, blurred vision, tingling lips, paleness, irritability or confusion
Severe stomach pain which may extend to your back, may or may not be associated with nausea and vomiting. Immediately see your doctor, as it could be a serious side effect of swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

You should not take this medicine during pregnancy. Limited information is available about its safety in pregnancy, hence do not take this medicine unless considered essential by your physician.

Breast Feeding

It is unknown if this Saxagliptin passes into breast milk. You should not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Driving

Caution is advised as Saxagliptin, in combination with other diabetes medicines, can cause low blood glucose, which may affect your ability to drive. Keep a juice or a bao of chocolate in the car close to you when driving. In case you start feeling any of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia like dizziness, irritability, hunger pangs, sweating, immediately drink the juice or eat chocolate bar.

Alcohol

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with this medicine. Consumption of alcohol, together with this medicine, may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur, depending on the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. Also, alcohol can increase the risk of developing the severe side effect of pancreatitis.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have heart failure
You get severe stomach ache while taking this medicine as it may be associated with severe side effects of pancreatitis
You are taking other medications for diabetes, be watchful for symptoms of low blood sugar
You notice blisters on the skin, immediately inform your doctor
Kidney disease or you are on dialysis
You have pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
You are alcoholic or very high levels of triglycerides (a form of fat) in your blood
You have Type 1 diabetes mellitus and taking insulin. This medicine is not meant for use in this type of diabetes
You are taking other medicines for diabetes, as your doctor may alter the dose of those medicines while starting this medicine
This medicine is not to be used for age less than 18 years

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

When we eat, glucose increases in the body. Then the small intestine increases production and releases certain chemicals called incretins. These play an essential role in controlling blood glucose. But these are rapidly degraded by an enzyme DPPP-4. Saxagliptin inhibits this DPP-4; thus, incretins don’t get degraded quickly and can act to control blood glucose. It is used to lower blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. It increases insulin synthesis by the pancreas, thereby reducing glucose levels. It also decreases sugar production by the liver. It also decreases glucagon levels, which is a counter-hormone of insulin, thereby further reducing blood sugar levels.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Increased risk of fall in sugar levels when used in combination with other diabetes medicines like Sulfonylureas (Glimepiride) or insulin
Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital or Phenytoin
Dexamethasone – a steroid medicine
Rifampicin
Ketoconazole-used for fungal infections

Interactions with food items

No information is available on interactions of Saxagliptin when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

Dietary Restrictions

Saxagliptin can help lower your blood sugar levels when combined with lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise and avoiding smoking. Follow the nutrition plan that your doctor, registered dietitian, or diabetes educator recommends. It is advisable to follow a strict diabetic diet and exercise regimen to further improve overall control of the disease.

Dosage

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken an overdose of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include symptoms of low blood sugar like extreme weakness, confusion, tremors, fast heart rate, nausea, rapid breathing, and fits.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for a missed one. Taking double doses can be harmful as it can drop the glucose level drastically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You should not use Saxagliptin if you are allergic to it. Give a detailed account of your medical and surgical history. Also, mention to your doctor all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations and nutritional supplements that you may be taking before starting this medication.

This medicine is available in the form of a tablet, swallow with a glass of water. It can be taken before or after food. Take this medicine exactly at the same time every day.

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