What is Onglyza?
Onglyza (saxagliptin) is a prescription medication used to help manage high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing insulin levels after meals to lower blood sugar.
Onglyza is typically used with diet and exercise. It’s not for individuals with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. If you’re allergic to Onglyza, have certain medical conditions such as kidney issues, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using it.
Onglyza may also interact with other medicines, so keep your healthcare provider updated on all the medications you take.
How Does Onglyza Work?
Onglyza works by helping the body use insulin more effectively. It does this by blocking an enzyme called DPP-4, which normally breaks down certain hormones that help regulate blood sugar.
When Onglyza blocks DPP-4, these hormones stay active longer, which helps the pancreas release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high.
This process helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Dosage Information and Usage
Dosage Form and Strengths of Onglyza
- Onglyza 5 mg tablets: Pink, round, with “5” and “4215” printed on the sides.
- Onglyza 2.5 mg tablets: Pale yellow, round, with “2.5” and “4214” printed on the sides.
Usage
The standard dose is either 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily, taken at any time of day, with or without food. For those with certain kidney problems, the dose should be reduced to 2.5 mg daily.
If you have end-stage renal disease and undergo hemodialysis, take Onglyza after the procedure.
If Onglyza is used with other medications that impact liver enzymes or with insulin, your dose may need adjustment. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for proper dosage.
Storage Information
Store Onglyza at room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). It can also be kept in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Make sure to keep the medication in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and moisture.
Side Effects of Onglyza
Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Headache
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if taken with other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas or insulin
- Swelling or fluid retention in hands, feet, or ankles, especially if taken with thiazolidinediones
Serious but Rare Side Effects
- Allergic reactions:
- swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- difficulty swallowing or breathing;
- Hives
- skin rash,
- Itching,
- peeling
- Severe joint pain
- Skin reactions like blisters or skin erosion, which may require hospital treatment
Warnings and Precautions
- Pancreatitis: Onglyza may cause acute pancreatitis. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Monitor for signs of pancreatitis and discontinue Onglyza if suspected. Patients with a history of pancreatitis should be closely observed, though it’s unclear if they have a higher risk of developing it again while on Onglyza.
- Heart Failure: Onglyza may increase the risk of hospitalization for heart failure. In clinical trials, more patients taking Onglyza were hospitalized for heart failure compared to those on a placebo. Patients with a history of heart failure or kidney problems are at a higher risk. Evaluate the risks before starting Onglyza in these patients and monitor for heart failure symptoms during treatment.
- Hypoglycemia with Sulfonylurea or Insulin: Combining Onglyza with sulfonylureas or insulin can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms include shaking, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. A lower dose of these medications may be needed when used with Onglyza to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, angioedema, and skin conditions may occur with Onglyza. Reactions can happen within the first few months of treatment or even after the first dose. Discontinue Onglyza if a serious hypersensitivity reaction is suspected and seek alternative treatments for diabetes.
- Severe and Disabling Arthralgia: Some people taking Onglyza or other DPP-4 inhibitors report severe joint pain. Symptoms can start from one day to several years after starting the medication. Discontinue Onglyza if severe joint pain occurs and consider trying another medication if needed.
- Bullous Pemphigoid: Rare cases of bullous pemphigoid, a severe skin condition with blisters, have been reported. If blisters or skin erosion develop, discontinue Onglyza and consult a dermatologist for treatment.
Overdosage of Onglyza
If someone takes too much Onglyza, there are generally no serious effects at high doses, as shown in studies where doses up to 400 mg daily were well-tolerated.
However, in case of an overdose, supportive treatment should be provided based on the patient’s condition.
Onglyza and its active form can be partially removed from the body through hemodialysis, which eliminates about 23% of the dose over 4 hours.
Drug Interactions
- Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A4/5 Enzymes: Medications that strongly inhibit CYP3A4/5 enzymes, like Ketoconazole, can increase the levels of Onglyza in the blood. This can lead to higher exposure to the drug. When Onglyza is taken with these strong inhibitors, the dose should be reduced to 2.5 mg to avoid excessive drug levels.
- Other CYP3A4/5 Inhibitors: Similar to ketoconazole, other drugs like atazanavir, clarithromycin, and itraconazole can also raise Onglyza levels in the blood. Therefore, Onglyza should be taken at a lower dose (2.5 mg) when used with these medications.
- Interactions with Other Medications: Onglyza may interact with other drugs that affect liver enzymes or alter their effectiveness.
Alternative Medications
- Glumetza
- Sitagliptin (Januvia)
- Linagliptin (Tradjenta)
- Canagliflozin (Invokana)
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
- Semaglutide (Ozempic)
- Exenatide (Bydureon BCise, Byetta)
- Liraglutide (Victoza)
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
- Glipizide (Glucotrol XL)
- Glimepiride (Amaryl)
- Insulin Detemir (Levemir)
- Insulin Degludec (Tresiba)
- Insulin Glargine (Basaglar, Lantus, Toujeo)
Cost & Coupons
Your health is paramount, and obtaining the right medication should not come at a prohibitive cost. At Pharma Giant, our mission is to make healthcare both affordable and accessible.
We offer a variety of Onglyza options to suit your needs:
2.5mg Tablets:
| Quantity | Price |
|---|---|
| 28 tabs | $88.95 |
| 30 tabs | $125.99 |
| 56 tabs | $187.95 |
| 60 tabs | $240.00 |
| 84 tabs | $248.95 |
| 90 tabs | $345.00 |
5mg Tablets:
| Quantity | Price |
|---|---|
| 28 tabs | $72.50 |
| 30 tabs | $149.99 |
| 56 tabs | $259.95 |
| 60 tabs | $290.00 |
| 84 tabs | $309.95 |
| 90 tabs | $420.00 |
At Pharma Giant, we believe that financial worries should never interfere with your well-being. Opt for Pharma Giant to effectively manage your health, ensuring both quality and affordability.
Exclusive Discount on Onglyza
Take control of your health expenses with Pharma Giant’s exclusive discount offer!
For a limited time, use the code PGSAVE10 at checkout to receive a 10% discount on your Onglyza purchase. This exceptional deal makes it easier to access top-quality healthcare products while staying within your budget.
This offer is valid for one-time use per customer.
Experience incredible value and premium care with Pharma Giant today.
Assurance of Quality and Timely Delivery
At Pharma Giant, we are committed to providing top-notch medication alongside prompt delivery right to your doorstep.
Our express shipping policy guarantees delivery within 3-5 business days throughout the US. Every order is packed in secure containers to ensure the protection of your medication during transit.
Our mission is to make essential treatments both accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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