What is Onglyza Uses, warnings & interactions

Medically reviewed by  Jamie Winn, PharmD

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Onglyza (saxagliptin) is an oral diabetes medication that is manufactured by AstraZeneca. It was FDA-approved in 2009 along with diet and increased physical activity to control high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Onglyza is not indicated to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.

If your doctor has prescribed Onglyza to you, you may want to know more about what it is and how it works. Here we’ll explain what Onglyza is used for, how it works, its side effects, and more.

What is Onglyza used for?

Onglyza is used along with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

How does Onglyza work?

Onglyza is a DPP-4 inhibitor that works by slowing the breakdown of the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotrophic polypeptide (GIP). GIP and GLP-1 are released in response to food and stimulate your pancreas to make insulin. They are inactivated by the DPP-4 enzyme within minutes. GLP-1 also reduces glucagon secretion from the pancreas which lowers the amount of sugar your liver produces.

What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Onglyza?

• 2.5mg tablet
• 5mg tablet

Before taking Onglyza

Before taking Onglyza, tell your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, including:

• Heart disease or heart failure
• Kidney problems
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Gallstones
• History of alcoholism
• High triglyceride levels
• Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding

How to take Onglyza

• Read the Drug Information and Medication Guide that comes with Onglyza.
• Take Onglyza exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medication without discussing it with them first.
• Onglyza is typically taken once a day, with or without food. Do not cut Onglyza tablets.
• Your doctor should test your kidney function before and during Onglyza treatment. You may need a lower dose of this medication if you have advanced kidney disease.
• If you miss a dose of Onglyza, take it immediately. Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose and then resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not take extra doses of this medication to make up for a missed dose.
• Store Onglyza tablets at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Onglyza contraindications

You should not use Onglyza if you have a known allergy to saxagliptin or any inactive ingredients in its formulation.

Onglyza warnings

• Onglyza may cause pancreatitis and should be stopped immediately if it occurs.
• You should be monitored for symptoms of heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, or weight gain) if you have known risk factors for this condition.
• This medication may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), especially if taken along with other diabetes medicines such as metformin, insulin, or sulfonylureas (glyburide). Symptoms of low blood sugar include shaking, sweating, headache, hunger, fast heart rate, and blurred vision.
• Serious and possibly disabling joint pain has been reported by people taking DPP-4 inhibitors such as Onglyza. Discontinue this medication if you develop severe joint pain.
• Onglyza may cause a rare skin disorder called bullous pemphigoid that can require hospitalization. Notify your doctor if you develop any skin blisters or ulcers.

What drugs should not be taken with Onglyza?

When Onglyza is taken with other medications, it may change how they work 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 cause drug interactions with Onglyza, including:

• Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors such as ketoconazole

What are some possible side effects of Onglyza?

The most common side effects of Onglyza seen in clinical trials include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Back pain
• Swelling
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Onglyza can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:

• Serious allergic reactions (hives, swelling of the face or throat, and shortness of breath)
• Severe joint pain
• Pancreatitis
• Bullous pemphigoid (a rare skin condition that causes blisters)

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

Onglyza alternatives

Your doctor can prescribe other medications if Onglyza is not right for you. Some alternative FDA-approved options include:

• Januvia (sitagliptan)
• Tradjenta (linagliptin)
• Trijardy XR (empagliflozin/linagliptin/metformin)
• Nesina (alogliptin)
• Glyxambi (empagliflozin/linagliptin)
• Qtern (dapagliflozin/saxagliptin)
• Actos (pioglitazone)

Onglyza FAQs

Can you take Onglyza while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no well-controlled studies on the use of Onglyza during pregnancy. You should only use this medication during pregnancy if it is clearly needed. It is not known if Onglyza is found in breast milk or what effects it may have on a breastfed infant. 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.

What is the best time of day to take Onglyza?

You can take Onglyza at any time of day that works for you, but you should take your dose at the same time each day.

How often do you take Onglyza?

The recommended adult dose of Onglyza for adults with T2DM is 5mg by mouth once daily, with or without food. If your kidneys aren’t working properly, your doctor may lower your dose.

Does Onglyza have metformin in it?

No, Onglyza contains saxagliptin, which inhibits the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme to help regulate blood glucose control in T2DM. It can be used alone or along with commonly prescribed antidiabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or thiazolidinediones.

How does Onglyza compare with Januvia?

Onglyza and Januvia are both oral DPP-4 inhibitors that are used along with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Neither of these medications are approved to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus. Onglyza and Januvia share some of the same side effects, including runny or stuffed-up nose, sore throat, headache, or abdominal pain. According to meta-analyses, they both result in similar HbA1c reductions and don’t increase the risk of low blood sugar unless combined with other diabetic medications.

How much does Onglyza cost?

Currently, there is no generic Onglyza available on the market. The average cost of #30 Onglyza 5mg tablets is approximately $550. However, you can save on brand-name drugs like Onglyza through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.

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