What Is Onglyza Used For?

Onglyza contains saxagliptin and belongs to a class of oral medications called DPP-4 inhibitors that help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Primary Uses

Onglyza is used to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It’s used in combination with other diabetes medicines like metformin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, insulin, sulfonylurea medicines, or SGLT2 inhibitors when diet and exercise plus a single medicine don’t provide adequate blood sugar control.

How It Works

Onglyza helps improve insulin levels after meals and decreases the amount of sugar your body makes. It works when blood sugar is high, especially after eating, and also helps lower blood sugar between meals. Unlike some diabetes medications, Onglyza by itself is unlikely to cause dangerously low blood sugar because it doesn’t work when your blood sugar is already low.

How to Take Onglyza

Take Onglyza exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken once daily at approximately the same time each day for best results.

Dosage Instructions

The usual dose is one 5 mg tablet once daily. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of 2.5 mg daily. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water – don’t split or cut them. You can take Onglyza with or without food. Continue taking it daily as long as your doctor tells you to, as it helps control your condition but doesn’t cure it.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If it’s not almost time for your next dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• headache
• signs of respiratory infection (runny nose, sore throat, cough)
• throat soreness and discomfort when swallowing
• difficulty breathing or chest tightness
• vomiting or diarrhea
• stomach pain or discomfort
• swelling of hands, ankles or feet
• urinary tract infection symptoms
• rash
• feeling depressed or anxious
• joint pain
• signs of anemia (tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath during exercise, dizziness, pale appearance)
• back pain

Important Warnings

Before taking Onglyza, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and other medications you’re taking.

Who Should Not Take Onglyza

Don’t take Onglyza if you’re allergic to saxagliptin or any other DPP-4 inhibitor, or if you’re lactose intolerant (Onglyza contains lactose). Don’t use in children as there isn’t enough safety information. Don’t take if the packaging is damaged or past the expiry date.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, heart failure, or kidney problems. Your doctor will test your kidney function before starting treatment and regularly while you’re taking Onglyza.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Onglyza is not recommended during pregnancy. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking it. Don’t use Onglyza while breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

Drug Interactions

Onglyza can be taken with most other medicines, but always tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.

Alcohol & Driving

Be cautious with alcohol and driving while taking Onglyza, as it may affect your ability to operate vehicles or machinery safely.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as it may affect your blood sugar control.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Onglyza affects you. The medication may cause dizziness in some people, and low blood sugar levels can slow your reaction time. Make sure you know how you react to Onglyza before driving or doing anything that could be dangerous if you’re dizzy or lightheaded.

Storage

Keep Onglyza tablets in their original blister pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep away from heat, dampness, and sunlight. Store where children cannot reach it.

Overdose Information

If you think you’ve taken too much Onglyza, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you don’t feel unwell.

Frequently Asked Questions