Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of Saxagliptin use as follows:
Stomach upset
- Patients taking saxagliptin can sometimes present with self-limiting symptoms of stomach upset and gastrointestinal disturbances, such as, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid/reduce these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Report to your doctor for further recommendations in the event of these symptoms continuing uncontrolled.
Muscle and skeletal pain
- Saxagliptin, by some unknown mechanisms, can increase risk for damage to the joints and muscle, resulting in some joint & muscle pain with fatigue.
- While taking saxagliptin, report to your physician for further recommendations, in the event of presentation with any worsening muscle & joint pain and increasing fatigue.
Acute pancreatitis
- A rare, but serious side effect of using saxagliptin is acute inflammation of pancreas.
- Individuals with acute pancreatitis can present with severe upper abdominal pain, radiating to the back, along with severe nausea and vomiting.
- Individuals with history of obesity, alcoholism, gallstones, and elevated triglycerides in the blood are naturally at increased risk for inflammation of pancreas. Intake of saxagliptin by individuals with history of any of these conditions can increase the risk for acute pancreatitis further. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of these conditions, if any, and your safety with saxagliptin.
- While taking saxagliptin, report to your physician regarding any findings of acute pancreatitis for recommendations on management of the same.
