Saxagliptin

Saxagliptin is a medication often prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a type of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor that works by breaking down incretin hormones, an action that increases insulin production and decreases the amount of glucose that the liver produces. The medicine comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth once a day.

Saxagliptin Drug Information

What Is Saxagliptin?

Saxagliptin (Onglyza^™) is a prescription diabetes medication approved to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It is the second approved medication belonging to a class of diabetes medicines known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Sitagliptin (Januvia^®) was the first medication approved in this class.

(Click What Is Saxagliptin Used For? for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Potential Side Effects

As with any medicine, saxagliptin may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.

If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:

Upper respiratory tract infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as a bladder infection
Headaches.

(Click Side Effects of Saxagliptin to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

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