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Side Effects of Saxagliptin
Common side effects reported with saxagliptin may include upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, and abdominal pain. In most cases, these side effects are mild and either do not require medical attention or can be treated easily. However, certain side effects (such as persistent infections or low blood sugar) are potentially serious and may require immediate treatment.
An Introduction to Saxagliptin Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with saxagliptin (Onglyza™). However, not everyone who takes the medication will have problems. 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.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with this drug. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of saxagliptin side effects with you.)
Serious Side Effects Seen With Saxagliptin
There are a number of possible side effects with saxagliptin that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:
- Frequent or persistent infections, which may be a sign of low white blood cells
- Symptoms of low blood sugar (which is most likely to occur if saxagliptin is taken with other diabetes drugs), including:
- Sweating
- Shakiness
- Extreme hunger
- Dizziness
- Cold sweats
- Blurry vision
- Changes in behavior, such as irritability
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Signs of pancreatitis (inflammation or infection of the pancreas), such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Severe, persistent abdominal (stomach) pain that sometimes radiates to the back
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- An unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Unexplained swelling (especially of the lips, mouth, or throat)
- Wheezing or other breathing problems.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD