Onglyza

How does Onglyza work?

Diphenyltryptamine-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, such as Onglyza, are classically used to treat diabetes. These drugs help to reduce blood sugar levels following meals and between meals, as well as to reduce the amount of glucose produced by the body. As is the case with all DPP4 inhibitors, Onglyza works by slowing the breakdown of digestional hormones, resulting in an increase in the total number of digestive hormones present. This increase in digestive hormones is the cause of the drug’s positive effects, which include an increase in insulin production when meals are consumed, a decrease in the rate of glucose production from the liver, a slower rate of stomach emptying, a decrease in appetite, as well as an improvement in the production of beta cells, which are responsible for storing and producing insulin.

The oral antidiabetes medication Onglyza is prescribed in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular physical activity to assist in the management of blood glucose levels in adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. The chemical name of the generic version of Onglyza is saxagliptin. It is usually used in combination with other drugs like:
1. Metformin
2. Sulfonylurea
3. Metformin and sulfonylurea; or
4. Insulin

Precaution and Warnings

People with a history of pancreatitis or kidney disease should use Onglyza with caution. It’s also important to note that Onglyza may interact with other medications, so it’s essential to inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking. Before starting Onglyza, it’s important to inform your doctor of any medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking. If you experience any severe or unusual side effects while taking Onglyza, you should contact your doctor immediately. As with any medication, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and to report any concerning side effects or changes in symptoms

Dosage

Always follow the instructions your doctor has given you. The recommended dose for adults is 5 mg taken once a day (with or without food). If your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should, you may need to take a lower dose.
When this medication is taken with insulin, or when it is taken in combination with insulin secretagogues (such as sulphonylureas) or insulin, a lower dose may be necessary to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Side effects

Common side effects:

•  headache,
• runny
• stuffy nose,
• sore throat,
• upper respiratory tract infection.

Severe side effects:

• pancreatitis,
• allergic reaction,
• heart failure.