What is Onglyza?

Onglyza Dosage, forms & strengths

Medically reviewed by Jamie Winn, PharmD

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Onglyza (saxagliptin) is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 or DPP-4 inhibitor that is manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. It is used along with diet and exercise to treat high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Onglyza is not indicated to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

What is Onglyza’s mechanism of action?

Onglyza is an antidiabetic medication that slows the inactivation of incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotrophic polypeptide (GIP). These 2 hormones are released when you eat meals. GLP-1 and GIP stimulate your pancreas to produce more insulin to help improve glycemic control. GLP-1 also inhibits your pancreas from releasing glucagon which decreases the amount of glucose your liver makes.

Onglyza dosage forms and strengths

Film-coated tablets: 2.5mg, 5mg

Onglyza dosage

The recommended daily dose of Onglyza is 2.5mg to 5mg once a day, with or without food.

Onglyza dosage restrictions

No dosage adjustments are needed for patients with hepatic impairment.
The recommended dose of Onglyza is 2.5mg once a day for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment.
The recommended dose of Onglyza is 2.5mg once a day for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) that requires hemodialysis. Your Onglyza dose should be given after dialysis.
The recommended dose of Onglyza is 2.5mg once a day if it is coadministered with a strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitor such as ketoconazole.

How to take Onglyza

Read the Full Prescribing Information, Drug Information, and Medication Guide that comes with this medication.
Take this medication exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. Do not change your dose or stop taking Onglyza without discussing it with them first.
Onglyza is usually taken by mouth once a day, with or without food. Do not cut Onglyza tablets.
Your doctor will check how well your kidney is working before and during treatment with Onglyza. You may need a lower dose of Onglyza if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
If you miss a dose of Onglyza, take it right away. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip that dose and resume your regular schedule the next day. Do not take extra doses of Onglya to make up for any missed doses.

Onglyza dosage FAQs

What are some side effects of Onglyza?

Some common side effects of Onglyza seen in clinical trials include:

Upper respiratory tract infection
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Headache
Diarrhea
Back pain
Peripheral edema, especially if taken with a thiazolidinedione (TZD)
Low blood sugar
Increased triglyceride levels

Onglyza can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:

Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis (hives, angioedema, and shortness of breath)
Severe joint pain (arthralgia)
Pancreatitis (abdominal pain which can spread to your back with or without vomiting)
Bullous pemphigoid (a rare, blistering skin condition)

Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any adverse reactions you experience while taking Onglyza. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What are some drug interactions with Onglyza?

The concomitant use of Onglyza with other drugs can change their blood concentrations or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. You should ask your doctor if any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may interact with this medication, including:

Moderate or strong CYP3A4/5 enzyme inhibitors such as atazanavir, ketoconazole, diltiazem, or telithromycin

What are some contraindications of Onglyza?

You should not use Onglyza if you have a known hypersensitivity to saxagliptin or any inactive ingredients in this product.

Is it safe to use Onglyza while pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is not known what effects Onglyza may have on you or your baby if used during pregnancy or lactation. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Does Onglyza cause kidney problems?

There were no changes in renal function based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine, and proteinuria in clinical studies after 12 weeks in patients treated with Onglyza 2.5 mg or placebo.

How long does it take Onglyza to start working?

Depending on the dose you are prescribed, Onglyza typically starts to work within 4 to 5 days, but its full blood glucose lowering effects may take a few weeks.

Does Onglyza cause weight gain?

In clinical trials, Onglyza did not affect the majority of patients’ weights. If you notice an unusual or sudden weight gain, notify your doctor right away as it could be a sign of heart failure. Other signs and symptoms of heart failure include trouble breathing, especially when you lie down, and unusual tiredness.

Does Onglyza increase your risk of hypoglycemia?

When used as monotherapy, Onglyza sometimes can cause low blood sugar. The incidence increases when used as an add-on or combination therapy with other diabetes drugs such as insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas (glyburide). Symptoms of low blood sugar include shaking, chills, sweating, headache, extreme hunger, increased heart rate, and blurred vision.

How much does Onglyza lower your HbA1C?

According to the package insert, after 24 weeks, the coadministration of Onglyza 5mg with metformin and a sulfonylurea lowered the patient’s HbA1C by an average of 0.5%.

What is the average price of Onglyza?

There is no generic for this medication. The average cost of #30 Onglyza 5mg tablets is approximately $550.

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The content on this website is intended for information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information on this website should not be relied upon and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always speak to your doctor regarding the risks and benefits of any treatment.