Health Library

Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin (By mouth)

Dapagliflozin (dap-a-gli-FLOE-zin), Saxagliptin (sax-a-GLIP-tin)

Treats type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Qtern

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. This medicine is usually taken in the morning.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew it.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how saxagliptin/dapagliflozin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lithium, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Insulin or other diabetes medicine
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine during the second and third part of your pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of heart failure, pancreas problems, or genital yeast or urinary tract infections. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet or if you drink alcohol, or if you are having surgery or other procedures that require fasting.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
  • Heart failure
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (high ketones and acid in the blood), which can be life-threatening
  • Increased risk of genital yeast or urinary tract infections
  • Low blood sugar, when used with other diabetes medicines
  • Fournier's gangrene (skin or tissue damage of the area between the anus and genitals)
  • Serious skin reactions
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results. This medicine may affect the results of urine glucose tests.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash, large, hard skin blisters
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody urine, painful or difficult urination, lower back or side pain, chills
• Increased hunger, headache, confusion, shaking, trembling, sweating
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling of the area between the anus and genitals, fever
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing
• Severe joint pain
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Redness, itching, pain, or swelling of the penis, bad-smelling discharge from the penis
• White or yellow vaginal discharge, vaginal itching or odor

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024