Onglyza and/or Equivalents

Onglyza

Onglyza Drug Description

Onglyza is a medication that helps control the sugar level in the blood. It is specifically used to treat patients, with type 2 diabetic condition. The generic name of the drug is saxagliptin monohydrate. Saxagliptin is an inhibitor of the enzyme, DPP-4. This class of inhibitors increases the amount of incretin, a hormone secreted by the inner walls of the small intestine. Incretin serves to raise the insulin level, when blood sugar is high. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It serves to decrease the level of sugar in the blood. Saxagliptin monohydrate is a light yellow, crystalline powder and is sparingly soluble in water. It is non-hygroscopic in nature, which means that it does not absorb water. Onglyza is available in the form of 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets, containing saxagliptin as the essential ingredient. The inactive ingredients in the tablets are microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and croscarmellose sodium. Onglyza 2.5 mg tablets are biconvex, circular, pale yellow and film-coated, with “2.5” printed on a side and “4214” printed on the other side, in blue colour. Onglyza 5 mg tablets are biconvex, circular and pink in colour. They are film coated, with “5” printed on one side and “4215” printed on the other side in blue colour. The film coating consists of polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, iron oxides and talc.

Conditions Treated by Onglyza

As stated earlier, Onglyza is used for treating type 2 diabetic condition. It is recommended to patients, suffering from moderate to severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease. Onglyza may be used in combination with other medications for diabetes.

Onglyza Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Take Onglyza, as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dosage for type 2 diabetes is 2.5 mg or 5 mg, taken daily, depending upon the severity of the condition and other factors like body weight. The tablets are administered orally and may be taken with or without food. It is essential that the medication be taken at an appointed time every day, to promote its effectiveness. For treating renal impairment and end-stage renal disease, the recommended dosage of Onglyza is 2.5 mg, taken once a day. Onglyza 2.5 mg is administered with cytochrome inhibitors like ketoconazole, in certain cases of diabetes. When Onglyza is used in combination with insulin, a lower dosage may be prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor may ask you to discontinue the medication for some time, if develop some other condition. Follow his instructions carefully. Do not change the dosage or the brand, without consulting your doctor. Your doctor may suggest a modification of your diet. Follow your doctor’s advice, to get the best results from this medication.

b.) Missing a Dose

Onglyza should be taken regularly and at fixed times. If you miss a dose, you may take it within a short while, after the appointed time. If you forget about it entirely, it is recommended that you skip the dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not take an extra dose, to compensate for the missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

It is essential that you take the exact dose, prescribed by your doctor. In the event of an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment. An overdose of Onglyza may cause the sugar in your blood, to fall to a very low level. This may result in an increase in heart rate, extreme weakness, tremors, sweating, nausea and convulsions. You may find it difficult to speak. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, take some sugar or honey and call for emergency medical help.

Onglyza Warnings

Onglyza should not be used to treat type 1 diabetic conditions. If you are prescribed Onglyza for your medical condition, let the doctor know about any other medication you might be taking. Inform him, if you have any particular allergies. The inactive components in the product may cause certain allergies. If you develop allergic conditions, after starting medication, seek emergency help immediately. Allergies can be life threatening. Allergic symptoms can be skin irritation, rashes, a sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue and difficulty in swallowing or breathing. Inform the doctor, if you have any other medical conditions like liver or kidney disease, disease of the pancreas and high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Onglyza may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar. This may bring about a temporary blurred vision, nausea, dizziness and weakness. If you experience any of these conditions, do not drive or perform stressful activities. Inform your doctor. There is no evidence that Onglyza is harmful to an unborn baby. A pregnant woman however, should inform her doctor about her condition, before taking Onglyza. A nursing mother should not take Onglyza, without the doctor’s consent. Do not start or stop medication without your doctor’s approval. If you want to dispose of unused tablets, ask your pharmacist’s advice. Do not flush them in the toilet.

Onglyza Side Effects

Onglyza has been known to cause severe pain in the upper abdomen. The pain may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The drug may cause a burning sensation while passing urine, urticaria, upper respiratory tract infections and oedema of the face, hands and feet. Some patients may tend to bruise or bleed easily, after taking the medication. There are less serious side effects like headaches, sore throat, cough and blocked nasal passages. Consult your doctor if you feel any kind of discomfort, after taking Onglyza for your condition. Clinical studies have recorded very rare instances of tuberculosis infection, among subjects taking Onglyza. The percentage is as low as 0.12%, in studies conducted worldwide. One case was reported in Canada, in a patient who had traveled to Indonesia in the recent past, while taking Onglyza. The number of cases is too low, to establish a relation between tuberculosis and the use of Onglyza.

Onglyza Drug Interactions

Certain drugs may affect the way saxagliptin works. Some of these drugs are nefazodone, azole antifungals, conivapton, izoniazid, atazanavir, ritonavir, diclofenac and antibiotics like clarithromycin. Some drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Examples are corticosteroids (such as prednisone), psychiatric medicines (such as olanzapine) and antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin). Certain medications (such as cough and cold medication and herbal products) contain sugar. These may affect your blood sugar level, as well. Consult your doctor about any medication, while taking Onglyza.

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Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Onglyza and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information