What is saxagliptin?
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. Saxagliptin is sometimes used in combination with other diabetes medications, but is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Saxagliptin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about saxagliptin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to saxagliptin or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Before you take saxagliptin, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or if you are on dialysis.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.
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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking saxagliptin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic 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.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication 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. Do not use this medication without telling 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.