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Onglyza (saxagliptin) is an orally administered drug of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 class, designed for the treatment and lowering of blood glucose levels in patients with Type II diabetes. Use of Onglyza has been correlated to lower long-term blood glucose levels as measured by standard HbA1c tests.

Onglyza is appropriate for essentially any Type II diabetes patient on any anti-diabetic therapy who desires additional control of blood glucose levels. The medication does not provide benefit in Type I diabetes.

What to Expect from Onglyza

Onglyza can be used on its own or in conjunction with other drug therapies, such as metformin or Glucotrol, for a greater combined effect than increasing the dosage of an individual medication.

Used in conjunction with diet and exercise Onglyza produces even greater benefits. The medication contributes to almost any Type II diabetes treatment plan, providing the blood glucose control instrumental to slowing or even stopping progression of disease symptoms.

In the battle against Type II diabetes Onglyza can be a powerful ally:

• As measured by HbA1c Onglyza produces an average reduction in blood glucose levels.
• As an oral medication Onglyza requires no injection.
• Doses are compact and discreet, and administered just once per day.
• Addition of Onglyza results in lower blood glucose levels than diet and exercise alone.
• Addition to existing metformin or sulfonylurea therapies provides greater total benefit than the individual products alone
• Onglyza may reduce the need for injectable insulin supplementation in Type II diabetics who use insulin therapy.

Patients are typically started on 2.5 mg per day, which may be increased to 5 mg per day if 2.5 mg proves insufficient and kidney function is not impaired. In both cases the dose is taken just once per day, with or without food as desired. Blood glucose should be checked regularly, especially at the start of the treatment.

Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit.

Precautions & Warnings

Onglyza is not recommended for the treatment of Type I diabetes, nor is it intended for the treatment of severe blood glucose conditions such as ketacidosis, which is an emergency situation requiring the immediate attention of a physician.

As with many medications Onglyza is removed from the body by the kidneys. If kidney function is impaired drugs can build up beyond recommended levels. For this reason it is important that kidney function be thoroughly evaluated prior to starting treatment and periodically for the duration of treatment. Changes in kidney function will likely call for dosage to be adjusted accordingly.

Other medications may warrant lower doses. Be sure your doctor is notified if cytochrome inhibitors, insulin secretagogues, or injectable insulin are being used prior to starting treatment or are added at any point during treatment.

Sometimes Onglyza can work a little too well and cause lower-than-desired blood glucose or more frequent low blood sugar episodes. If this becomes a concern the dosage of Onglyza and/or other anti-diabetic medications will need to be adjusted. Patients are strongly advised to seek assistance of a physician in determining appropriate adjustments; do not discontinue insulin or other drug therapy unless advised by a doctor. Mistakes can lead to very serious, even potentially deadly complications.

Patients seeking to establish greater control over blood glucose levels and to slow, halt, or even prevent the complications high blood glucose levels can cause---and would appreciate a convenient, oral medication that typically works in conjunction with any existing therapy---will likely find Onglyza to be a big step in the right direction. Patients who improve their blood glucose levels are essentially improving their future---reducing the likelihood of serious complications, dependency, expenses, and other unpleasant consequences associated with ill-managed diabetes.