Saxagliptin

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Saxagliptin

ORAL

Saxagliptin. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Saxagliptin tablets are a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve…

Saxagliptin

Brand names

Saxagliptin

Active ingredients

SAXAGLIPTIN HYDROCHLORIDE DIHYDRATE

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Saxagliptin tablets are a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1.1 ) Limitations of use: • Not recommended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Monotherapy and Combination Therapy Saxagliptin tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [ see Clinical Studies (14) ]. 1.2 Limitations of Use Saxagliptin tablets are not recommended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Recommended dosage is 2.5 mg or 5 mg orally once daily taken regardless of meals. ( 2.1 ) • Patients with an eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (moderate or severe renal impairment, or end-stage renal disease): Recommended dosage is 2.5 mg once daily regardless of meals. ( 2.2 ) • Assess renal function before starting saxagliptin tablets and periodically thereafter. ( 2.2 ) • Limit the dosage of saxagliptin tablets to 2.5 mg daily for patients also taking strong cytochrome P450 3A4/5 (CYP3A4/5) inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole). ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of saxagliptin tablets is 2.5 mg or 5 mg orally once daily taken regardless of meals. Do not cut, crush, or chew saxagliptin tablets. If a dose is missed, advise patients not to take an extra dose. Resume treatment with the next dose. 2.2 Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment Assess renal function prior to initiation of saxagliptin tablets and then as clinically indicated [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ]. The recommended dosage of saxagliptin tablets in patients with an eGFR greater than or equal to 45 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 is the same as the recommended dosage in patients with normal renal function [ see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. The dosage of saxagliptin tablets is 2.5 mg orally once daily for patients with eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 [which includes a subset of moderate or severe renal impairment, or with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis] [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. Saxagliptin tablets should be administered following hemodialysis. Saxagliptin tablets have not been studied in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. 2.3 Dosage Modification with Concomitant Use of Strong CYP3A4/5 Inhibitors The dosage of saxagliptin tablets is 2.5 mg orally once daily when used concomitantly with strong cytochrome P450 3A4/5 (CYP3A4/5) inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and telithromycin) [ see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Warnings

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Pancreatitis: There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, promptly discontinue saxagliptin tablets. ( 5.1 ) • Heart Failure: Consider the risks and benefits of saxagliptin tablets in patients who have known risk factors for heart failure. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms. ( 5.2 ) • Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues: Consider a lower dosage of insulin or insulin secretagogue when used in combination with saxagliptin tablets. ( 5.3 ) • Hypersensitivity-Related Events: There have been postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, and exfoliative skin conditions. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue saxagliptin tablets, treat promptly, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. ( 5.4 ) • Arthralgia : Severe and disabling arthralgia has been reported in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. Consider as a possible cause for severe joint pain and discontinue drug if appropriate. ( 5.5 ) • Bullous Pemphigoid: There have been postmarketing reports of bullous pemphigoid requiring hospitalization in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. Tell patients to report development of blisters or erosions. If bullous pemphigoid is suspected, discontinue saxagliptin tablets. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Pancreatitis There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis in patients taking saxagliptin tablets. In a cardiovascular outcomes trial enrolling participants with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or multiple risk factors for ASCVD (SAVOR trial), cases of definite acute pancreatitis were confirmed in 17 of 8240 (0.2%) patients receiving saxagliptin tablets compared to 9 of 8173 (0.1%) receiving placebo. Preexisting risk factors for pancreatitis were identified in 88% (15/17) of those patients receiving saxagliptin tablets and in 100% (9/9) of those patients receiving placebo. After initiation of saxagliptin tablets, observe patients for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, promptly discontinue saxagliptin tablets and initiate appropriate management. It is unknown whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis while using saxagliptin tablets. 5.2 Heart Failure In a cardiovascular outcomes trial enrolling participants with established ASCVD or multiple risk factors for ASCVD (SAVOR trial), more patients randomized to saxagliptin tablets (289/8280, 3.5%) were hospitalized for heart failure compared to patients randomized to placebo (228/8212, 2.8%). In a time-to-first-event analysis the risk of hospitalization for heart failure was higher in the saxagliptin tablets group (estimated Hazard Ratio: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.51). Patients with a prior history of heart failure and patients with renal impairment had a higher risk for hospitalization for heart failure, irrespective of treatment assignment. Consider the risks and benefits of saxagliptin tablets prior to initiating treatment in patients at a higher risk for heart failure. Observe patients for signs and symptoms of heart failure during therapy. Advise patients of the characteristic symptoms of heart failure and to immediately report such symptoms. If heart failure develops, evaluate and manage according to current standards of care and consider discontinuation of saxagliptin tablets. 5.3 Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues When saxagliptin tablets were used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue, the incidence of confirmed hypoglycemia was increased over that of placebo used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Therefore, a lower dosage of insulin or an insulin secretagogue may be required to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with saxagliptin tablets [ see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. Inform patients using these concomitant medications of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. 5.4 Hypersensitivity Reactions There have been postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions in patients treated with saxagliptin tablets. These reactions include anaphylaxis, angioedema, and exfoliative skin conditions. Onset of these reactions occurred within the first 3 months after initiation of treatment with saxagliptin tablets, with some reports occurring after the first dose. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, discontinue saxagliptin tablets, assess for other potential causes for the event, and institute alternative treatment for diabetes [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Use caution in a patient with a history of angioedema to another dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to angioedema with saxagliptin tablets. 5.5 Severe and Disabling Arthralgia There have been postmarketing reports of severe and disabling arthralgia in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. The time to onset of symptoms following initiation of drug therapy varied from one day to years. Patients experienced relief of symptoms upon discontinuation of the medication. A subset of patients experienced a recurrence of symptoms when restarting the same drug or a different DPP-4 inhibitor. Consider DPP-4 inhibitors as a possible cause for severe joint pain and discontinue drug if appropriate. 5.6 Bullous Pemphigoid Postmarketing cases of bullous pemphigoid requiring hospitalization have been reported with DPP-4 inhibitor use. In reported cases, patients typically recovered with topical or systemic immunosuppressive treatment and discontinuation of the DPP-4 inhibitor. Tell patients to report development of blisters or erosions while receiving saxagliptin tablets. If bullous pemphigoid is suspected, saxagliptin tablets should be discontinued and referral to a dermatologist should be considered for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Saxagliptin tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to saxagliptin or any of the ingredients in saxagliptin tablets. Reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, or exfoliative skin conditions have been reported with saxagliptin tablets [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. • History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, exfoliative skin conditions) to saxagliptin or any of the ingredients in saxagliptin tablets. ( 4 )

Drug interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS • Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): Coadministration with saxagliptin tablets significantly increases saxagliptin concentrations. Limit saxagliptin tablets dosage to 2.5 mg once daily when coadministered with a strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitor. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A4/5 Enzymes Ketoconazole significantly increased saxagliptin exposure. Similar significant increases in plasma concentrations of saxagliptin are anticipated with other strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and telithromycin). The dosage of saxagliptin tablets should be limited to 2.5 mg when coadministered with a strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitor [ see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues Insulin and insulin secretagogues are known to cause hypoglycemia. Concomitant use of saxagliptin tablets with insulin or an insulin secretagogue may require lower dosages of insulin or the insulin secretagogue to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].

Adverse reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: • Pancreatitis [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Heart Failure [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Hypersensitivity Reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Severe and disabling arthralgia [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Bullous pemphigoid [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and more often than placebo) are upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and headache. ( 6.1 ) • Peripheral edema was reported more commonly in patients treated with the combination of saxagliptin tablets and a thiazolidinedione (TZD) than in patients treated with the combination of placebo and TZD. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus The data in Table 1 are derived from a pool of 5 placebo-controlled clinical trials [ see Clinical Studies (14) ]. These data shown in the table reflect exposure of 882 patients to saxagliptin tablets and a mean duration of exposure to saxagliptin tablets of 21 weeks. The mean age of these patients was 55 years, 1.4% were 75 years of age or older and 48.4% were male. The population was 67.5% White, 4.6% Black or African American, 17.4% Asian, 10.5% other races and 9.8% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. At baseline, the population had type 2 diabetes mellitus for an average of 5.2 years and a mean HbA1c of 8.2%. Baseline estimated renal function was normal or mildly impaired (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) in 91% of these patients. Table 1 shows common adverse reactions, excluding hypoglycemia, associated with the use of saxagliptin tablets. These adverse reactions occurred more commonly on saxagliptin tablets than on placebo and occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with saxagliptin tablets. Table 1: Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials The 5 placebo-controlled trials include two monotherapy trials and one add-on combination therapy trial with each of the following: metformin hydrochloride (HCl), thiazolidinedione, or glyburide. Table shows 24-week data regardless of glycemic rescue. Reported in ≥ 5% of Patients Treated with Saxagliptin Tablets 5 mg and More Commonly than in Patients Treated with Placebo % of Patients Saxagliptin Tablets 5 mg N = 882 Placebo N = 799 Upper respiratory tract infection 7.7 7.6 Urinary tract infection 6.8 6.1 Headache 6.5 5.9 In patients treated with saxagliptin tablets 2.5 mg, headache (6.5%) was the only adverse reaction reported at a rate ≥ 5% and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo. In the add-on to TZD trial, the incidence of peripheral edema was higher for saxagliptin tablets 5 mg versus placebo (8.1% and 4.3%, respectively). The incidence of peripheral edema for saxagliptin tablets 2.5 mg was 3.1%. None of the reported adverse reactions of peripheral edema resulted in trial drug discontinuation. Rates of peripheral edema for saxagliptin tablets 2.5 mg and saxagliptin tablets 5 mg versus placebo were 3.6% and 2% versus 3% given as monotherapy, 2.1% and 2.1% versus 2.2% given as add-on therapy to metformin HCl, and 2.4% and 1.2% versus 2.2% given as add-on therapy to glyburide. The incidence rate of fractures was 1.0 and 0.6 per 100 patient-years, respectively, for saxagliptin tablets (pooled analysis of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg) and placebo. The 10 mg dosage is not an approved dosage. The incidence rate of fracture events in patients who received saxagliptin tablets did not increase over time. Causality has not been established and nonclinical studies have not demonstrated adverse effects of saxagliptin tablets on bone. An event of thrombocytopenia, consistent with a diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, was observed in the clinical program. The relationship of this event to saxagliptin tablets is not known. Discontinuation of therapy due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.2%, 3.3%, and 1.8% of patients receiving saxagliptin tablets 2.5 mg, saxagliptin tablets 5 mg, and placebo, respectively. The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 2 patients treated with saxagliptin tablets 2.5 mg or at least 2 patients treated with saxagliptin tablets 5 mg) associated with premature discontinuation of therapy included lymphopenia (0.1% and 0.5% versus 0%, respectively), rash (0.2% and 0.3% versus 0.3%), blood creatinine increased (0.3% and 0% versus 0%), and blood creatine phosphokinase increased (0.1% and 0.2% versus 0%). Adverse Reactions with Concomitant Use with Insulin In the add-on to insulin trial [ see Clinical Studies (14.1) ], the incidence of adverse reactions, including serious adverse reactions and discontinuations due to adverse reactions, was similar between saxagliptin tablets and placebo, except for confirmed hypoglycemia [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Hypoglycemia Adverse reactions of hypoglycemia were based on all reports of hypoglycemia. A concurrent glucose measurement was not required or was normal in some patients. Therefore, it is not possible to conclusively determine that all these reports reflect true hypoglycemia. In the add-on to glyburide trial, the overall incidence of reported hypoglycemia was higher for saxagliptin tablets 2.5 mg and saxagliptin tablets 5 mg (13.3% and 14.6%) versus placebo (10.1%). The incidence of confirmed hypoglycemia in this trial, defined as symptoms of hypoglycemia accompanied by a fingerstick glucose value of ≤ 50 mg/dL, was 2.4% and 0.8% for saxagliptin tablets 2.5 mg and saxagliptin tablets 5 mg and 0.7% for placebo [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. The incidence of reported hypoglycemia for saxagliptin tablets 2.5 mg and saxagliptin tablets 5 mg versus placebo given as monotherapy was 4% and 5.6% versus 4.1%, respectively, 7.8% and 5.8% versus 5% given as add-on therapy to metformin HCl, and 4.1% and 2.7% versus 3.8% given as add-on therapy to TZD. The incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 3.4% in treatment-naive patients given saxagliptin tablets 5 mg plus metformin HCl and 4% in patients given metformin HCl alone. In the active-controlled trial comparing add-on therapy with saxagliptin tablets 5 mg to glipizide in patients inadequately controlled on metformin HCl alone, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 3% (19 events in 13 patients) with saxagliptin tablets 5 mg versus 36.3% (750 events in 156 patients) with glipizide. Confirmed symptomatic hypoglycemia (accompanying fingerstick blood glucose ≤ 50 mg/dL) was reported in none of the saxagliptin tablet-treated patients and in 35 glipizide-treated patients (8.1%) (p < 0.0001). In the add-on to insulin trial, the overall incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 18.4% for saxagliptin tablets 5 mg and 19.9% for placebo. However, the incidence of confirmed symptomatic hypoglycemia (accompanying fingerstick blood glucose ≤ 50 mg/dL) was higher with saxagliptin tablets 5 mg (5.3%) versus placebo (3.3%). In the add-on to metformin HCl plus sulfonylurea trial, the overall incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 10.1% for saxagliptin tablets 5 mg and 6.3% for placebo. Confirmed hypoglycemia was reported in 1.6% of the saxagliptin tablet-treated patients and in none of the placebo-treated patients [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, such as urticaria and facial edema in the 5-trial p

Mechanism of action

Mechanism of Action Increased concentrations of the incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are released into the bloodstream from the small intestine in response to meals. These hormones cause insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner but are inactivated by the DPP-4 enzyme within minutes. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, reducing hepatic glucose production. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, concentrations of GLP-1 are reduced but the insulin response to GLP-1 is preserved. Saxagliptin is a competitive DPP-4 inhibitor that slows the inactivation of the incretin hormones, thereby increasing their bloodstream concentrations and reducing fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in a glucose-dependent manner in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Available forms (4)

NDC examples

0378-47050378-4706

Indicated ICD-10 codes

Source: openFDA + RxNorm · 2026

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