Onglyza

Onglyza Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Adult Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the most common type, occurs in adults whose bodies cannot produce insulin properly. It is characterized by an inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin so as to keep blood glucose at normal levels.

If untreated, high blood glucose can cause a number of serious complications, including skin, eye and kidney damage, as well as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

People who follow a treatment course of medication, exercise and proper diet can successfully manage glucose blood levels and live long, productive lives free of complications.

Onglyza Active Ingredient

The active ingredient in Onglyza is called saxagliptin. It increases the body’s production of incretins – substances which increase insulin release and help control blood sugar levels – especially after a meal. Saxagliptin also decreases the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

Onglyza may sometimes be used in combination with other diabetes medicines. It is, however, not for use by patients with Type 1 diabetes.

Generic Onglyza Alternative

Generic alternatives to Onglyza are not yet available on this website.

What is Onglyza and What Is It Used For?

Onglyza is prescribed to patients with Type 2 diabetes, helping them control high blood sugar. Controlling blood sugar levels helps to prevent diabetes complications such as kidney and nerve damage, blindness, sexual function problems, and limb amputation. Patients may also experience a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.

A healthy diet and regular exercise also help control blood sugar levels.

Usage and Application

Most patients are usually prescribed Onglyza once daily, with or without food. Dosage is prescribed by a physician and depends on the patient’s condition, the response to treatment and any other medications the patient is taking.

Patients need to discuss with their doctor whether tablets can be split. Onglyza should not be cut although this is possible to do with fast-release tablets of similar drugs.

It is important to take this medication regularly in order to experience its full benefit. Patients are advised to take Onglyza at the same time each day to help them remember.

Besides taking their medication consistently, patients should also carefully follow the diet and exercise plan their physician has recommended.

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Onglyza, as well as a patient’s medical history, especially any history of kidney or pancreas disease. Risk factors for pancreatic-related disease such as stones in the gallbladder, regular alcohol use, high levels of fats and triglycerides in the blood or heart failure should also be discussed.

Patients should limit alcohol use while on this medication as alcohol may increase the risk of developing low blood sugar and pancreatic disease.

It is possible to experience some effects related to low or high blood sugar while taking this medication, including blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness. In such cases, patients should avoid driving, using machinery, or any other activity that requires alertness or clear vision.

Stress on the body, caused by fever, infections, injury or surgery, may make it harder to control blood sugar. Patients should consult their doctor regarding possible changes in the treatment plan.

Patients about to undergo surgery or dental procedures need to inform their doctor or dentist of all medications and supplements they are taking.

Pregnant women should only use this medication when clearly needed. In addition, pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Patients need to discuss ways of managing blood sugar levels with their doctor. Some patients may need to introduce changes to their diabetes treatment regime.

It is not known whether Onglyza passes into breast milk.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Onglyza should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Onglyza

Drug interactions may change the way Onglyza works and can increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some medications may prevent the fast or pounding heartbeat that patients usually feel when their blood sugar levels drop too low. This includes beta-blockers such as metoprolol (e.g. Lopressor) and propranolol (e.g. Inderal) as well as glaucoma eye drops containing timolol. Other symptoms of low blood sugar like dizziness, hunger and sweating are not affected by these drugs.

Many drugs can affect blood sugar levels, making them harder to control. Patients should have a discussion with their doctor before they start, stop or change any medication they are taking. It is also important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly and share the results with the treating physician. Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they feel symptoms of high or low blood sugar.

Adverse Reactions

Most people taking Onglyza do so safely without any negative side effects.

A small number of people may experience joint pain and unusual skin blisters. Patients should also monitor for signs of heart failure, including swelling of the ankles and feet, shortness of breath and unusual tiredness.

When combined with other diabetes medications, Onglyza may cause low blood sugar. Patients need to discuss all of their medications with their doctor.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, and tingling of the hands and feet. Patients are advised to carry glucose tablets or gel in order to treat low blood sugar. Other methods could be eating table sugar, honey or candy, as well as drinking fruit juice or soda.

Low blood sugar is more likely to occur when people drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually strenuous exercises or fail to consume enough calories from food. To maintain steady blood sugar levels, patients need to eat regular meals and never skip meals.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. Patients need to alert their doctor in the event of these symptoms. They may need to have their Onglyza dosage increased.

In some rare cases, Onglyza may cause pancreatic disease. It is important to monitor for symptoms such as continuous vomiting and severe stomach pain which spreads to the back.

Serious allergic reactions to Onglyza are rare, yet patients should be aware of symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

How to Store Onglyza

Onglyza should be stored at room temperature away from light or moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.