Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be observed while taking Onglyza use as follows:
- Use of onglyza can contribute to significant fluid retention in the body. Retained fluid can lead to edema, sharp weight gain, progressively increasing shortness of breath, compromised endurance, and worsening fatigue. Retained fluid can also add extra load on the heart in individuals with congestive heart failure and can lead to worsening of heart failure symptoms and cardiac function. Individuals taking onglyza must be increasingly watchful for these symptoms of compromised cardiac function with the medication and report to the physician at the earliest notice of any.
- A rare, but serious side effect of using onglyza 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. While taking onglyza, report to your physician at the earliest regarding any findings of acute pancreatitis for recommendations on management.
- Individuals with history of obesity, alcoholism, gallstones, and elevated triglycerides in the blood are naturally at increased risk for inflammation of pancreas. Intake of onglyza by individuals with history of any of these conditions can increase the risk for acute pancreatitis further. Individuals with history of any of these conditions must discuss with their physician regarding their safety with onglyza intake. Individuals with history of alcoholism must try observing abstinence on alcohol consumption while taking onglyza to avoid risk for pancreatitis. Obese individuals taking onglyza must observe compliance with any recommended weight loss measures. Also, observing compliance with other suggested management measures, such as, intake of low fat diet and cholesterol lowering medications, can also help reduce risk for inflammation of pancreas.
