Saxagliptin

What is saxagliptin?

Saxagliptin is a prescription medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called DPP-4 inhibitors (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors), also known as ‘gliptins’. The brand name for saxagliptin is Onglyza[1]. 

What is saxagliptin used for?

Saxagliptin is used to help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is usually prescribed alongside diet and exercise. Saxagliptin may be used on its own or in combination with other diabetes medications, such as metformin or sulfonylureas. It is not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis[1]. 

How does saxagliptin work?

Saxagliptin works by affecting the hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. Specifically, it[1]: 

• Increases insulin production after meals 

• Reduces glucose production in the liver 

It does this by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme, which breaks down incretin hormones that help regulate blood glucose[1]. 

Who can take saxagliptin?

Saxagliptin is suitable for most adults with type 2 diabetes. However, it may not be appropriate for some people. You should speak to a doctor first if you[1]: 

• Have severe kidney problems or are on dialysis 

• Have a history of pancreatitis 

• Have heart failure or liver disease 

• Are immunosuppressed (e.g., after an organ transplant or have AIDS) 

• Are allergic to saxagliptin 

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist) 

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any conditions you may have or medication you take before you start treatment, and always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2].

What is the typical dosage of saxagliptin?

Saxagliptin comes as 2.5mg or 5mg tablets. The typical dose of saxagliptin is[1]: 

• 5mg once daily 

• A reduced dose of 2.5mg may be prescribed for patients with moderate to severe kidney problems or those taking strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors. 

Always follow your pharmacist or doctor’s instructions. 

How do you take saxagliptin?

Saxagliptin is taken once a day. Here is how to take it correctly[1]:

• Take it at the same time each day 

• Swallow the tablet whole with water 

• It can be taken with or without food 

Can you stop taking saxagliptin?

You should not stop taking saxagliptin without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist. Stopping suddenly can cause your blood sugar to rise[1]. 

What do you do if you take too much saxagliptin?

If you take too much saxagliptin[1]:

• Contact your doctor or call NHS 111 immediately 

• Overdose is unlikely to cause severe low blood sugar unless taken with other diabetes medicines such as insulin or sulfonylureas 

What do you do if you forget to take saxagliptin?

If you miss a dose[1]:

• Take it as soon as you remember 

• If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose 

• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one 

How to store saxagliptin?

To store saxagliptin safely[1]:

• Keep it at room temperature, away from moisture and heat 

• Keep it out of reach of children 

• Do not use after the expiry date on the packaging 

What medicines can’t you take with saxagliptin?

Saxagliptin may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking[1]: 

• Other diabetes medications (e.g., insulin or sulfonylureas) 

• Antibiotics such as rifampicin 

• Antifungals such as ketoconazole 

• Seizure medicines such as carbamazepine or phenobarbital 

• HIV medications or anticonvulsants 

• Some herbal remedies, particularly St John’s wort, may reduce the effectiveness of saxagliptin. 

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take before you start a new medicine, and follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2]. 

What are the side effects of saxagliptin?

Like all medicines, saxagliptin can cause side effects. Common side effects may include[1]: 

• Headache 

• Sore throat or runny nose 

• Urinary tract infections 

• Diarrhoea or abdominal pain 

• Dizziness or weakness 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Mild rash 

Serious but rare side effects: 

• Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain) 

• Heart failure symptoms (shortness of breath, weight gain) 

• Liver disease symptoms (skin or eye yellowing) 

• Low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia as a result of taking saxagliptin with other diabetes medication like insulin or gliclazide 

You should contact your GP if you experience any of these symptoms. In rare cases, the medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). You should call 999 or visit A&E immediately if you believe this is happening[1]. 

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include[1]:  

• Difficulty breathing  

• Tightness in throat and chest  

• Swelling of the tongue or throat  

• Feeling faint or dizzy  

• Blue-grey skin or lips  

• Loss of consciousness 

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with this medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional[2].

Frequently asked questions about saxagliptin

Is saxagliptin insulin? 
No, it helps your body produce more insulin naturally[1]. 

Can I take saxagliptin with metformin? 
Yes, it is often prescribed alongside metformin[1]. 

Does saxagliptin cause weight gain? 
No, it is generally weight-neutral[1]. 

Can I drink alcohol while taking saxagliptin? 
In moderation, yes, but alcohol can affect blood sugar levels[1]. 

Is saxagliptin safe during pregnancy? 
Saxagliptin is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor for advice. 

Can saxagliptin cause low blood sugar? 
Rarely on its own, but more likely if combined with other diabetes meds[1]. 

How long does it take to work? 
It starts working within a few hours, but full effects may take a few weeks[1]. 

Do I need to monitor my blood sugar while on saxagliptin? 
Not always, unless you are on other medications that require monitoring[1]. 

For the official NHS guide to saxagliptin, visit their website.

Medicines A-Z Directory Disclaimer

The information provided on this Medicines A-Z page is intended for general informational purposes only and was accurate as of June 2025. It is designed to offer simple, patient-friendly summaries of prescribed medications based on publicly available resources, including those from the National Health Service (NHS). This content does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a substitute for professional guidance from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist.

Patients should always consult their healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any prescribed medication, and must inform them of any known allergies, medical conditions, or other medications being taken to ensure safe use. The inclusion of a medication on this page does not guarantee its availability, suitability, or approval for use in all cases, as prescribing decisions are made by healthcare professionals based on individual patient needs.

This page may include links to external websites, such as those maintained by the NHS or the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), for further information. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement. The pharmacy is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of external websites, nor for any consequences arising from their use.

Medical and regulatory information may change over time due to new research, updated guidelines, or changes in licensing by the MHRA. While the pharmacy endeavours to keep this information accurate, it cannot guarantee its currency at all times. Patients are advised to verify information with a healthcare professional for the most up-to-date advice.

The pharmacy accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this page, including any consequences arising from self-diagnosis, self-medication, or failure to seek professional advice.