The Emotional Pain of Food Addiction

Here's what's happening on the HealthyPlace site this week:

Addicted to Food

I came across an interesting article on food addiction by psychiatrist and author of "Living the Truth," Dr. Keith Ablow. In it, Dr. Ablow says increasing numbers of men and women are turning up in his office unable to lose weight despite diet and exercise.

"I'm talking to more and more patients who are deeply ambivalent about giving up food. Eating has become one of their primary sources of pleasure; for all intents and purposes, they're as addicted to food as other people are to smoking or alcohol."

Why is Food Addictive?

Food, like tobacco and alcohol, also contains substances that are mind-altering, says Ablow. Fats can be mood stabilizers; carbs can increase energy and many nutrients are linked to levels of serotonin and other brain chemical messengers that basically determine whether we feel content and happy -- or anxious and depressed.

"The Emotional Pain of Food Addiction" On HealthyPlace TV

Caryl Ehrlich was a compulsive overeater. She used food to change her moods. She ate because of good news, bad news, no news, or during the news. How it started and how the food addiction ended is the subject of this Tuesday's HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show.

Join us Tuesday night, August 4. The show starts at 5:30p PT, 7:30 CT, 8:30 ET and airs live on our website.

In the second half of the show, you get to ask HealthyPlace.com Medical Director, Dr. Harry Croft, your personal mental health questions.

Coming in August on the HealthyPlace TV Show

  • The Psychological Process of Changing Your Gender
  • The Stress of Being an Alzheimer's Caregiver
  • Being in a Relationship with Someone Who Has Dissociative Identity Disorder

If you would like to be a guest on the show or share you personal story in writing or via video, please write us at: producer AT healthyplace.com

Click here for a list of previous HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Shows.

More Information on Food Addiction

We also have many transcripts from previous chat conferences on food addiction, compulsive overeating and binge eating with excellent information.

Immaturity and Your Child

We had a parenting problem at my house several years ago. Like most kids, my 13-year old son wanted to be treated like a 16-year old. Unfortunately, many times he acted like a 10-year old. It was a very frustrating time during this period in our "parenting lives."

Maybe you're facing the same issue? If so, this article, Coaching The Emotionally Immature Middle Schooler, by the Parenting Coach, Dr. Steven Richfield, may shed some light on the problem.

Self-Help For Your Mental Health

Sure, therapy and psychiatric medications, can help improve a mental health condition.   But there are also things you can do to help yourself get better and stay better.

back to: HealthyPlace.com Mental-Health Newsletter Index

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2009, August 3). The Emotional Pain of Food Addiction, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 9 from https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/mental-health-newsletter/the-emotional-pain-of-food-addiction

Last Updated: January 14, 2014

Food Addiction - Aug. 4

Posted on:

Food addiction causes pain in so many lives. What causes overeating, binge eating and can food addiction be successfully treated? Watch the HealthyPlace TV Show now to find out.

We'll be discussing food addiction on the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show this Tuesday. With depression, obesity and diabetes on the rise in the United States, addiction to food is a serious matter. Finding out the reason why you are overeating is the first step to living a life free of shame.

Join us as we talk to Caryl Ehrlich, founder of the Caryl Ehrlich Program. To date she has helped more than 2000 people lose weight, keep it off and stick to their commitment. She has found success by identifying what caused her to overeat when she wasn’t hungry and used that power to help others.

Dr. Harry Croft, Healthyplace.com’s trusted medical expert, will also be on the show to help us make sense of this complex addiction. He will take us through the emotions and triggers that are source of overeating (Read Dr. Croft's blog post on Food Addiction, Compulsive Overeating).

Watch the show to get a better understanding of food addiction - an addiction that has caused pain in so many lives. If you are eating to suppress feelings or binge eating in secret, you need to watch our show. If you are wondering whether you are addicted to food, take our food addiction test. HealthyPlace.com wants you to live your best life.

A First Person Account of Binge Eating Disorder

Bipolar Psychosis: A Troubling Feature of Bipolar Disorder

Learn about Bipolar psychosis. Includes examples of bipolar psychosis along with symptoms and treatments of psychosis in Bipolar Disorder.

Psychosis is thinking in which there is a break with reality. Common types of psychotic thinking include:

  • thoughts which are not consistent with reality called delusions
  • sensory experiences that are not real such as hearing, seeing or smelling things that are not there called hallucinations
  • misinterpretations of reality, such as imagining that the announcer on TV is directly talking to the person suffering the psychosis called illusion

Psychosis can be present in those with schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar mania.

Psychosis in Bipolar Disorder

We usually think of a person suffering from bipolar disorder as having:

  • distractibility
  • rapid thought or speech
  • not needing sleep
  • being grandiose or irritable
  • often taking unnecessary risks or being reckless (spending too much money, driving too fast, having reckless sex)

Most patients suffering from manic episodes will have several of these symptoms at the same time, and for a prolonged period of time. But some with bipolar mania can also suffer from psychotic thinking. In bipolar mania, these psychotic thoughts are usually related to the person's manic state.

Examples of Bipolar Psychosis

Some, during their mania, believe they are more important, gifted or capable than they really are. As a result of their inflated thoughts, they often behave in ways that are not usual for them, and represent a severe change from the non-psychotic state. For example, people during a manic psychosis might believe:

  • they are capable of superhuman feats (can fly, drive at excessive speeds, gamble excessively though they are broke).
  • they have God-like qualities, and begin to "preach" to others.
  • they are about to receive large amounts of money (eg, will win tonight's lottery) and so begin to spend excessively.

In depression, the psychosis is usually consistent with their depressed state (eg, thinking they have a terminal disease and are about to die). In schizophrenia, these thoughts are more bizarre and disorganized or paranoid. In mania, however, the psychotic thinking is usually grandiose, reckless, or about hyperactive or pleasurable or angry events.

Psychosis during a manic episode is a very severe symptom and needs to be treated. Today, we use drugs called atypical antipsychotics to treat manic episodes with and without psychosis. Some of these medicines are: Zyprexa (olanzipene). Risperdal (risperidone), Seroquel (quetiapine), Abilify (aripiprazole) and Geodon (ziprazedone). Other older antipsychotics (such as thorazine, haloperidol, thioridazine, perphenazine and others) can be used for the psychotic thinking but are not as effective for use in longer term prevention of bipolar symptoms.

Watch HealthyPlace TV Show on Bipolar Psychosis

Psychotic thinking during a manic episode is usually an indicator of the need for hospitalization to protect the patient as well as to get more rapid control of the manic state. On the HealthyPlace TV show, we will talk with author (and bipolar sufferer), Julie Fast, about this unusual symptom. You can read her special section on Psychosis in Bipolar Disorder written exclusively for HealthyPlace.com. She also discusses bipolar psychosis in videos (numbers 9 and 10).

Join us this Tuesday, September 15. You can watch the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show live (5:30p PT, 7:30 CT, 8:30 ET) and on-demand on our website.

Dr. Harry Croft is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director of HealthyPlace.com. Dr. Croft is also the co-host of the HealthyPlace TV Show.

next: Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder
~ other mental health articles by Dr. Croft

APA Reference
(2009, August 2). Bipolar Psychosis: A Troubling Feature of Bipolar Disorder, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 9 from https://www.healthyplace.com/about-hptv/croft-blog/bipolar-psychosis-feature-of-bipolar-disorder

Last Updated: April 11, 2017

Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder

Learn about the signs, symptoms and treatments of dissociative identity disorder and what it's like living with DID.

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Most of us have heard of the movie Sybil or Eve, movies (based upon books) about those with dissociative identity disorder (the condition that used to be known as multiple personality disorder). DID is a psychiatric disorder which is characterized by "the presence of two or more distinct identity or personality states...that recurrently take control of the person's behavior." There is also an "inability to recall important personality information". The condition is generally the result of early childhood trauma that is so severe that the child developed a "coping strategy" that involved psychologically dissociating - that is, in their minds, "not being there" and having the abuse dealt with by another part of their psychological selves. These different parts of the person eventually become distinct personalities. Usually the main day-to-day personality is not even aware of the existence of the other personalities. These other personalities often "come out" during a time the main personality is "blacked out." Thus the person does things under the control of the other personalities, (that are called "alters") that the person is not aware of, and will often deny.

Being a Partner of Someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder

In my 35 years of clinical practice, I have treated several patients with DID, but my first patient with the disorder is the one I remember the most. She was bright, capable, married, ran a successful business, and was quite reserved in her demeanor. During periods she did not remember, she would curse, have angry outbursts, mess up the house, and behave in ways she later denied , and called her husband a "liar" for imagining that she had been responsible for this behavior.

While it is difficult for the patient suffering with Dissociative Identity Disorder, it often even more problematic for the person living with the DID patient. Imagine what it must be like to see the person you live with behaving in a way that is totally foreign to their usual personality, and then denying that it ever happened.

On the HealthyPlace.com website, there are several videos which describe the effect of living with someone with DID. One of the most memorable is that of the ex-wife of football great, Herschel Walker, someone who has admitted the presence of his DID.

Watch HealthyPlace TV Show on Experiencing Dissociative Identity Disorder

On the HealthyPlace TV show, we will talk with someone with DID and talk in more detail about the origin, symptoms and treatments for dissociative identity disorder. We will also focus on what it is like for family members to live with someone who has DID. I believe it will be a fascinating show. (Read show blog post on Life with Dissociative Identity Disorder.)

Join us this Tuesday, September 1. You can watch the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show live (5:30p PT, 7:30 CT, 8:30 ET) and on-demand on our website.

Dr. Harry Croft is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director of HealthyPlace.com. Dr. Croft is also the co-host of the HealthyPlace TV Show.

next: Stress of Being an Alzheimer's Caregiver
~ other mental health articles by Dr. Croft

APA Reference
(2009, August 2). Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 9 from https://www.healthyplace.com/about-hptv/croft-blog/living-with-dissociative-identity-disorder

Last Updated: June 5, 2017

Stress of Being an Alzheimer's Caregiver

It's stressful being an Alzheimer's caregiver. Learn about the symptoms of caregiver stress and how Alzheimer's caregivers can address that stress.

Over my years of psychiatric practice, I have dealt with many patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately for them, especially in the latter stages of their disease, they are usually unaware of the impact -- or even the presence of their disease. However, family members and other caregivers are keenly aware of the symptoms of their loved one's illness. Over time, the disease begins to have a profound effect upon the Alzheimer's caregivers. Recent studies on Alzheimer's caregivers show that THEY are likely to develop stress related problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, intestinal conditions , headaches and other psychological problems including anxiety and depressive disorders.

As the population ages, dementia becomes more common, with almost one third of those age 85 and older expected to be affected. The average lifespan after the diagnosis is between 8 and 20 years. Since family members are usually the caregivers for those suffering with Alzheimer's Disease, it is anticipated that over the course of time, many of the caregivers will suffer stress related symptoms as well.

Common symptoms of stress found amongst caregivers include: anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, social withdrawal, depression, anxiety. There's a variety of stress related physical symptoms as well, such as: headaches, exhaustion, lack of concentration, despair and others.

The Alzheimer's Association recommends the following for caregivers:

  • Know what resources are available
  • Become and educated caregiver
  • Get help
  • Take care of yourself
  • Manage your stress level
  • Accept changes as they occur
  • Do legal and financial planning
  • Be realistic
  • Give yourself credit, not guilt

On the HealthyPlace.com TV Show, we will talk more about symptoms of caregiver stress, and ways to manage it. We will also describe the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and the various treatment options available.

Watch HealthyPlace TV Show on The Stress of Being an Alzheimer's Caregiver

On our show, this Tuesday, August 18, our guest will be discussing the trials and triumphs of being an Alzheimer's caregiver to his father. You can watch it live (5:30p PT, 7:30 CT, 8:30 ET) and on-demand on our website.

Dr. Harry Croft is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director of HealthyPlace.com. Dr. Croft is also the co-host of the HealthyPlace TV Show.

next: Psychological Process of Changing Sex
~ other mental health articles by Dr. Croft

APA Reference
(2009, August 2). Stress of Being an Alzheimer's Caregiver, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 9 from https://www.healthyplace.com/about-hptv/croft-blog/stress-of-being-an-alzheimers-caregiver

Last Updated: January 14, 2014

Psychological Process of Changing Sex

Some people feel they were born the wrong sex and desire a sex change. Learn about the psychological aspects of changing sex, sex reassignment.

Defining Transexualism, Gender Identity Disorder

Transexualism is the condition that generally results in a desire for a person to "change their sex." In transexualism the person sees themselves as truly having been born "the wrong sex" -- ie, a man in a woman's body or vice versa. In the psychiatric manual DSM IV the transexualism is defined as:

  • A desire or insistence that one is of the opposite biological sex
  • Evidence of persistent discomfort with, and perceived inappropriateness of the individual's biological sex
  • The individual is not intersexed due to a biological condition
  • Evidence of clinically significant distress or impairment in work or social life.

At present, many professionals call the condition "gender identity disorder." It does not mean that the person is simply a "cross dresser" who dresses as the opposite sex due to psychological factors. Instead, these individuals have a feeling they are truly psychologically more of the opposite sex rather than their present physical sex. Transsexuals may be either heterosexual or homosexual after sex change treatment, but usually they prefer sex with members of the opposite sex than they are AFTER THEIR SEX CHANGE.

Psychological Evaluation Before Undergoing a Sex Change, Sex Reassignment

Not all transsexuals attempt to actually change their sex - many chose to live as the sex they were born; although they often have a sense of severe discomfort being of that sex throughout their lifetime. Others chose to undergo sex change (or sex reassignment treatment including the use of hormones, and ultimately sex reassignment surgery). Before getting to that point, however, most treatment programs require at least a year's worth of psychological evaluation or treatment.

Over the years, I have personally participated in such treatment. In fact, I helped with the sex reassignment program at my medical school when I was a psychiatric resident. I have evaluated many with the condition. The first step involves making certain that there are no other psychological or psychiatric co-existing conditions that cause severe distress for the person, and in some cases may be the true cause of the desire to change sex. Examples might be: schizophrenia, substance abuse, homosexuality that is not psychologically acceptable to the person, and borderline personality disorder.

Next in the psychological treatment is to determine the emotional stability of the person with Gender Identity Disorder. While many have experienced extreme emotional discomfort from having to appear as a member of the sex opposite of the one they believe themselves to be psychologically, it is important that there be basic emotional stability present before the medical procedures can begin.

Watch HealthyPlace TV Show on Psychology of Changing Sex

On our show, this Tuesday, August 11, our guest will be discussing her sex change and the psychological aspects behind it. You can watch it live (5:30p PT, 7:30 CT, 8:30 ET) and on-demand on our website.

Dr. Harry Croft is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director of HealthyPlace.com. Dr. Croft is also the co-host of the HealthyPlace TV Show.

next: Reality of Food Addiction, Compulsive Overeating
~ other mental health articles by Dr. Croft

APA Reference
(2009, August 2). Psychological Process of Changing Sex, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 9 from https://www.healthyplace.com/about-hptv/croft-blog/psychological-process-of-changing-sex

Last Updated: January 14, 2014

Reality of Food Addiction, Compulsive Overeating

Causes and psychological impact of compulsive overeating. And compulsive overeating vs. food addiction?

Is Food Addiction a Real Addiction?

It has become common to talk about a variety of compulsive behaviors to be, in fact, an "addictive disorder." Whether it is sex, shopping, gambling, binging and vomiting, internet usage - the term "addiction" is frequently used to describe the cause and the process. The same is true for compulsive eating as well - as some refer to it as food addiction. While, clearly, compulsive overeating is problematic and injurious to health and dangerous to life itself, it is still unclear about the "true underlying cause" of this behavior. Although scientists at the NIMH and academic universities argue about the issue of whether this behavior represents a true "addiction," the reality is that compulsive overeating is a significant problem, both for the sufferer as well as for society in general.

Why Do People Overeat?

Scientists do agree that the cause of compulsive overeating is generally not simply the result of "weakness of will - or flawed character." Only now are we beginning to understand the significance of imbalances of chemicals that control the feelings of the desire for food (hunger) and fullness (satiety). There also seems to be a genetic predisposition for becoming obese. This is in addition to the role that watching parents compulsively overeat may itself lead to inappropriate eating behavior in the child.

We know that some overeaters engage in the behavior due to the sense of psychological relief it provides. Some overeat due to depression, guilt, shame, anxiety, or stress. Others have little idea why they overeat - they just do so out of habit, or boredom. They feel compelled to overeat, anxious if they do not give in to the compulsion, and guilty at the end result. The result of compulsive overeating is the promotion of further negative emotions including embarrassment and shame, as well as the obvious deterioration of good health, and often the "solution" experienced by the compulsive overeater is to repeat the behavior.

During our Tuesday (Aug. 4) HealthyPlace TV show on food addiction, we will discuss the scientific controversy, as well as practical ways of controlling the undesired behavior of compulsive overeating as well.

You can watch it live (7:30p CT, 8:30 ET) and on-demand on our website.

Dr. Harry Croft is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director of HealthyPlace.com. Dr. Croft is also the co-host of the HealthyPlace TV Show.

next: Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder
~ other mental health articles by Dr. Croft

APA Reference
(2009, August 2). Reality of Food Addiction, Compulsive Overeating, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 9 from https://www.healthyplace.com/about-hptv/croft-blog/food-addiction-compulsive-overeating

Last Updated: January 14, 2014

Actos Type 2 Diabetes Treatment - Actos Patient Information

Brand Name: Actos
Generic Name: Pioglitazone Hydrochloride

Actos, pioglitazone hydrochloride, full prescribing information

Why is Actos prescribed?

Actos is used to control high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. This form of the illness usually stems from the body's inability to make good use of insulin, the natural hormone that helps to transfer sugar out of the blood and into the cells, where it's converted to energy. Actos works by improving the body's response to its natural supply of insulin, rather than increasing its insulin output. Actos also reduces the production of unneeded sugar in the liver.

Actos (and the similar drug rosiglitazone maleate) can be used alone or in combination with insulin injections or other oral diabetes medications such as glipizide, glyburide,or metformin hydrochloride.

Most important fact about Actos

Always remember that Actos is an aid to, not a substitute for, good diet and exercise. Failure to follow a sound diet and exercise plan can lead to serious complications, such as dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Remember, too, that Actos is not an oral form of insulin, and cannot be used in place of insulin.

How should you take Actos?

Actos should be taken once a day with or without meals.

  • If you miss a dose...
    Take it as soon as you remember. If you miss a dose on one day, skip it and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double your dose the following day.
  • Storage instructions...
    Store at room temperature in a tight container, away from moisture and humidity.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Actos.

  • Side effects may include:
    Headache, hypoglycemia, muscle aches, respiratory tract infection, sinus inflammation, sore throat, swelling, tooth disorder

Why should Actos not be prescribed?

If Actos gives you an allergic reaction, you should not take Actos.


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Special warnings about Actos

In very rare cases, a drug similar to Actos has proven toxic to the liver. The manufacturer therefore recommends that your doctor check your liver function before you begin taking Actos and periodically thereafter. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, or dark urine, report them to your doctor immediately. You will probably have to stop using Actos.

Because Actos works by improving the body's response to its own supply of insulin, it is not for type 1 diabetics, who are unable to produce any insulin at all. For the same reason, Actos can't be used to treat the condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (excessively high sugar levels due to the lack of insulin).

In rare instances, Actos causes swelling and fluid retention that can lead to congestive heart failure. If you already have this problem, you should avoid Actos. If you develop symptoms that signal the problem—such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or weight gain—you should check with your doctor immediately; the drug will probably have to be discontinued. The problem is more likely when Actos is taken in combination with insulin.

Actos, by itself, will not cause excessively low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, when you combine it with insulin injections or some other oral diabetes drugs, the chance of hypoglycemia increases. If you begin to feel symptoms of hypoglycemia—shaking, sweating, agitation, clammy skin, or blurred vision—take some fast-acting sugar, such as 4 to 6 ounces of fruit juice. Let your doctor know about the incident; you may need a lower dose of insulin or oral medication.

To make sure that your blood sugar levels stay within the normal range, get regular tests of your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (a long-term measurement of blood sugar). Contact your doctor during periods of stress due to fever, infection, injury, surgery, and the like. Dosage of your diabetes medicines may need to be changed.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Actos

It is possible that Actos may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. To guard against an unwanted pregnancy, be sure to use some other form of contraception.

If Actos is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Actos with the following:

Ketoconazole
Midazolam

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Actos during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. He may switch you to insulin during your pregnancy, since normal blood sugar levels are very important for the developing baby.

It is not known whether Actos appears in breast milk. For safety's sake, do not use Actos while breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Actos

ADULTS

The recommended starting dose of Actos is 15 to 30 milligrams once a day.

If this fails to bring your blood sugar under control, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 45 milligrams a day. If your blood sugar still remains high, the doctor may add a second medication.

When Actos is added to other diabetes medications, your doctor may need to lower their dosage if you develop low blood sugar. If you are taking insulin, the dose should be lowered when blood sugar readings fall below 100.

Overdosage

The effects of a massive Actos overdose are unknown, but any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose with Actos, seek medical attention immediately.

Actos Pills

Last Updated: 08/09

Actos, pioglitazone hydrochloride, full prescribing information

Detailed Info on Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments of Diabetes

back to:Browse all Medications for Diabetes

 

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2009, August 1). Actos Type 2 Diabetes Treatment - Actos Patient Information, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 9 from https://www.healthyplace.com/diabetes/medications/actos-type-2-diabetes-control

Last Updated: July 17, 2014

Onglyza Diabetes Treatment - Onglyza Patient Information

Brand Name: Onglyza
Generic Name: Saxagliptin

Onglyza, saxagliptin, full prescribing information

What is Onglyza?

Onglyza (saxagliptin) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. It works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.

Onglyza is for people with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Saxagliptin is sometimes used in combination with other diabetes medications, but is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Onglyza may also be used for other purposes not listed here.

Important information about Onglyza

Do not use Onglyza if you are allergic to saxagliptin or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

If you have kidney disease or you are on dialysis, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Onglyza.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are taking Onglyza.

Onglyza is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly other medications. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.


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Before taking Onglyza

Do not use Onglyza if you are allergic to saxagliptin, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

If you have kidney disease or you are on dialysis, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Onglyza.

FDA pregnancy category B. Onglyza is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether saxagliptin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Onglyza should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old without a doctor's advice.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings in more detail.

How should I take Onglyza?

Take Onglyza exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Onglyza.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Your doctor will tell you if any of your doses need to be changed.

Onglyza is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly other medications. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure Onglyza is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store Onglyza at room temperature away from moisture and heat

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food if your doctor has instructed you to). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as hunger, headache, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking Onglyza?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are taking Onglyza.

Onglyza side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Onglyza: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • pain or burning when you urinate;
  • swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
  • easy bruising or bleeding.

Less serious Onglyza effects may include:

  • runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
  • headache; or
  • stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Onglyza side effects in more detail

What other drugs will affect Onglyza?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

  • conivaptan (Vaprisol);
  • diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Solareze);
  • imatinib (Gleevec);
  • isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);
  • an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), dalfopristin/quinupristin (Synercid), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), or telithromycin (Ketek);
  • an antidepressant such as nefazodone;
  • antifungal medication such as clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend);
  • heart or blood pressure medication such as diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;
  • HIV/AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), saquinavir (Invirase), or ritonavir (Norvir); or
  • insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol, Metaglip), glimepiride (Amaryl, Avandaryl, Duetact), glyburide (DiaBeta, Micronase, Glucovance), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Onglyza. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about Onglyza.
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Saxagliptin Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Saxagliptin is also known as: Onglyza

Overview

If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Saxagliptin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Saxagliptin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Saxagliptin , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Saxagliptin Pregnancy Warnings

Saxagliptin has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of fetal harm. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Saxagliptin is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk

Saxagliptin Breastfeeding Warnings

There are no data on the excretion of saxagliptin into human milk. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering saxagliptin to nursing women.

Side Effects of Onglyza - for the Consumer

Onglyza

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Onglyza:

Headache; runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; upper respiratory infection.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Onglyza:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); frequent or painful urination; swelling of the hands or feet.

Revision Date: 09/15/2009

Onglyza, saxagliptin, full prescribing information

Detailed Info on Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments of Diabetes

back to: Browse all Medications for Diabetes

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2009, July 31). Onglyza Diabetes Treatment - Onglyza Patient Information, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 9 from https://www.healthyplace.com/diabetes/medications/onglyza-type-2-diabetes-treatment

Last Updated: July 21, 2014

Onglyza for Treatment of Diabetes - Full Prescribing Information

Brand Name: Onglyza
Generic Name: Saxagliptin

Dosage Form: tablet, film coated

Contents:

Indications and Usage
Dosage and Administration
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Contraindications
Warnings and Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Use in Specific Populations
Overdosage
Description
Pharmacology
Nonclinical Toxicology
Clinical Studies
How Supplied

Onglyza patient information (in plain English)

Indications and Usage

Monotherapy and Combination Therapy

Onglyza is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. [See Clinical Studies].

Important Limitations of Use

Onglyza should not be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these settings.

Onglyza has not been studied in combination with insulin.

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Dosage and Administration

Recommended Dosing

The recommended dose of Onglyza is 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily taken regardless of meals.

Patients with Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustment for Onglyza is recommended for patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CrCl] >50 mL/min).

The dose of Onglyza is 2.5 mg once daily for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, or with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis (creatinine clearance [CrCl] ≤50 mL/min). Onglyza should be administered following hemodialysis. Onglyza has not been studied in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Because the dose of Onglyza should be limited to 2.5 mg based upon renal function, assessment of renal function is recommended prior to initiation of Onglyza and periodically thereafter. Renal function can be estimated from serum creatinine using the Cockcroft-Gault formula or Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. [See Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics.]


 


Strong CYP3A4/5 Inhibitors

The dose of Onglyza is 2.5 mg once daily when coadministered 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, Inhibitors of CYP3A4/5 Enzymes and Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics.]

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Dosage Forms and Strengths

  • Onglyza (saxagliptin) 5 mg tablets are pink, biconvex, round, film-coated tablets with "5" printed on one side and "4215" printed on the reverse side, in blue ink.
  • Onglyza (saxagliptin) 2.5 mg tablets are pale yellow to light yellow, biconvex, round, film-coated tablets with "2.5" printed on one side and "4214" printed on the reverse side, in blue ink.

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Contraindications

None.

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Warnings and Precautions

Use with Medications Known to Cause Hypoglycemia

Insulin secretagogues, such as sulfonylureas, cause hypoglycemia. Therefore, a lower dose of the insulin secretagogue may be required to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with Onglyza. [See Adverse Reactions, Clinical Trials Experience.]

Macrovascular Outcomes

There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with Onglyza or any other antidiabetic drug.

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Adverse Reactions

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.

Monotherapy and Add-On Combination Therapy

In two placebo-controlled monotherapy trials of 24-weeks duration, patients were treated with Onglyza 2.5 mg daily, Onglyza 5 mg daily, and placebo. Three 24-week, placebo-controlled, add-on combination therapy trials were also conducted: one with metformin, one with a thiazolidinedione (pioglitazone or rosiglitazone), and one with glyburide. In these three trials, patients were randomized to add-on therapy with Onglyza 2.5 mg daily, Onglyza 5 mg daily, or placebo. A saxagliptin 10 mg treatment arm was included in one of the monotherapy trials and in the add-on combination trial with metformin.

In a prespecified pooled analysis of the 24-week data (regardless of glycemic rescue) from the two monotherapy trials, the add-on to metformin trial, the add-on to thiazolidinedione (TZD) trial, and the add-on to glyburide trial, the overall incidence of adverse events in patients treated with Onglyza 2.5 mg and Onglyza 5 mg was similar to placebo (72.0% and 72.2% versus 70.6%, respectively). Discontinuation of therapy due to adverse events occurred in 2.2%, 3.3%, and 1.8% of patients receiving Onglyza 2.5 mg, Onglyza 5 mg, and placebo, respectively. The most common adverse events (reported in at least 2 patients treated with Onglyza 2.5 mg or at least 2 patients treated with Onglyza 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%). The adverse reactions in this pooled analysis reported (regardless of investigator assessment of causality) in ≥5% of patients treated with Onglyza 5 mg, and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions (Regardless of Investigator Assessment of Causality) in Placebo-Controlled Trials* Reported in ≥5% of Patients Treated with Onglyza 5 mg and More Commonly than in Patients Treated with Placebo

 Number (%) of Patients
 Onglyza 5 mg
N=882
Placebo
N=799
* The 5 placebo-controlled trials include two monotherapy trials and one add-on combination therapy trial with each of the following: metformin, thiazolidinedione, or glyburide. Table shows 24-week data regardless of glycemic rescue.
Upper respiratory tract infection 68 (7.7) 61 (7.6)
Urinary tract infection 60 (6.8) 49 (6.1)
Headache 57 (6.5) 47 (5.9)

In patients treated with Onglyza 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 this pooled analysis, adverse reactions that were reported in ≥2% of patients treated with Onglyza 2.5 mg or Onglyza 5 mg and ≥1% more frequently compared to placebo included: sinusitis (2.9% and 2.6% versus 1.6%, respectively), abdominal pain (2.4% and 1.7% versus 0.5%), gastroenteritis (1.9% and 2.3% versus 0.9%), and vomiting (2.2% and 2.3% versus 1.3%).

In the add-on to TZD trial, the incidence of peripheral edema was higher for Onglyza 5 mg versus placebo (8.1% and 4.3%, respectively). The incidence of peripheral edema for Onglyza 2.5 mg was 3.1%. None of the reported adverse reactions of peripheral edema resulted in study drug discontinuation. Rates of peripheral edema for Onglyza 2.5 mg and Onglyza 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, 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 Onglyza (pooled analysis of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg) and placebo. The incidence rate of fracture events in patients who received Onglyza did not increase over time. Causality has not been established and nonclinical studies have not demonstrated adverse effects of saxagliptin 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 Onglyza is not known.

Adverse Reactions Associated with Onglyza Coadministered with Metformin in Treatment-Naive Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Table 2 shows the adverse reactions reported (regardless of investigator assessment of causality) in ≥5% of patients participating in an additional 24-week, active-controlled trial of coadministered Onglyza and metformin in treatment-naive patients.

Table 2: Initial Therapy with Combination of Onglyza and Metformin in Treatment-Naive Patients: Adverse Reactions Reported (Regardless of Investigator Assessment of Causality) in ≥5% of Patients Treated with Combination Therapy of Onglyza 5 mg Plus Metformin (and More Commonly than in Patients Treated with Metformin Alone)

 Number (%) of Patients
 Onglyza 5 mg + Metformin*
N=320
Metformin*
N=328
* Metformin was initiated at a starting dose of 500 mg daily and titrated up to a maximum of 2000 mg daily.
Headache 24 (7.5) 17 (5.2)
Nasopharyngitis 22 (6.9) 13 (4.0)

Hypoglycemia

Adverse reactions of hypoglycemia were based on all reports of hypoglycemia; a concurrent glucose measurement was not required. In the add-on to glyburide study, the overall incidence of reported hypoglycemia was higher for Onglyza 2.5 mg and Onglyza 5 mg (13.3% and 14.6%) versus placebo (10.1%). The incidence of confirmed hypoglycemia in this study, defined as symptoms of hypoglycemia accompanied by a fingerstick glucose value of ≤50 mg/dL, was 2.4% and 0.8% for Onglyza 2.5 mg and Onglyza 5 mg and 0.7% for placebo. The incidence of reported hypoglycemia for Onglyza 2.5 mg and Onglyza 5 mg versus placebo given as monotherapy was 4.0% and 5.6% versus 4.1%, respectively, 7.8% and 5.8% versus 5% given as add-on therapy to metformin, 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 Onglyza 5 mg plus metformin and 4.0% in patients given metformin alone.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity-related events, such as urticaria and facial edema in the 5-study pooled analysis up to Week 24 were reported in 1.5%, 1.5%, and 0.4% of patients who received Onglyza 2.5 mg, Onglyza 5 mg, and placebo, respectively. None of these events in patients who received Onglyza required hospitalization or were reported as life-threatening by the investigators. One saxagliptin-treated patient in this pooled analysis discontinued due to generalized urticaria and facial edema.

Vital Signs

No clinically meaningful changes in vital signs have been observed in patients treated with Onglyza.

Laboratory Tests

Absolute Lymphocyte Counts

There was a dose-related mean decrease in absolute lymphocyte count observed with Onglyza. From a baseline mean absolute lymphocyte count of approximately 2200 cells/microL, mean decreases of approximately 100 and 120 cells/microL with Onglyza 5 mg and 10 mg, respectively, relative to placebo were observed at 24 weeks in a pooled analysis of five placebo-controlled clinical studies. Similar effects were observed when Onglyza 5 mg was given in initial combination with metformin compared to metformin alone. There was no difference observed for Onglyza 2.5 mg relative to placebo. The proportion of patients who were reported to have a lymphocyte count ≤750 cells/microL was 0.5%, 1.5%, 1.4%, and 0.4% in the saxagliptin 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. In most patients, recurrence was not observed with repeated exposure to Onglyza although some patients had recurrent decreases upon rechallenge that led to discontinuation of Onglyza. The decreases in lymphocyte count were not associated with clinically relevant adverse reactions.

The clinical significance of this decrease in lymphocyte count relative to placebo is not known. When clinically indicated, such as in settings of unusual or prolonged infection, lymphocyte count should be measured. The effect of Onglyza on lymphocyte counts in patients with lymphocyte abnormalities (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus) is unknown.

Platelets

Onglyza did not demonstrate a clinically meaningful or consistent effect on platelet count in the six, double-blind, controlled clinical safety and efficacy trials.

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Drug Interactions

Inducers of CYP3A4/5 Enzymes

Rifampin significantly decreased saxagliptin exposure with no change in the area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) of its active metabolite, 5-hydroxy saxagliptin. The plasma dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) activity inhibition over a 24-hour dose interval was not affected by rifampin. Therefore, dosage adjustment of Onglyza is not recommended. [See Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics.]

Inhibitors of CYP3A4/5 Enzymes

Moderate Inhibitors of CYP3A4/5

Diltiazem increased the exposure of saxagliptin. Similar increases in plasma concentrations of saxagliptin are anticipated in the presence of other moderate CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (e.g., amprenavir, aprepitant, erythromycin, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, grapefruit juice, and verapamil); however, dosage adjustment of Onglyza is not recommended. [See Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics.]

Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A4/5

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 dose of Onglyza should be limited to 2.5 mg when coadministered with a strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitor. [See Dosage and Administration, Strong CYP3A4/5 Inhibitors and Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics.]

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Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category B

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Onglyza, like other antidiabetic medications, should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Saxagliptin was not teratogenic at any dose tested when administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during periods of organogenesis. Incomplete ossification of the pelvis, a form of developmental delay, occurred in rats at a dose of 240 mg/kg, or approximately 1503 and 66 times human exposure to saxagliptin and the active metabolite, respectively, at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 5 mg. Maternal toxicity and reduced fetal body weights were observed at 7986 and 328 times the human exposure at the MRHD for saxagliptin and the active metabolite, respectively. Minor skeletal variations in rabbits occurred at a maternally toxic dose of 200 mg/kg, or approximately 1432 and 992 times the MRHD. When administered to rats in combination with metformin, saxagliptin was not teratogenic nor embryolethal at exposures 21 times the saxagliptin MRHD. Combination administration of metformin with a higher dose of saxagliptin (109 times the saxagliptin MRHD) was associated with craniorachischisis (a rare neural tube defect characterized by incomplete closure of the skull and spinal column) in two fetuses from a single dam. Metformin exposures in each combination were 4 times the human exposure of 2000 mg daily.

Saxagliptin administered to female rats from gestation day 6 to lactation day 20 resulted in decreased body weights in male and female offspring only at maternally toxic doses (exposures ≥1629 and 53 times saxagliptin and its active metabolite at the MRHD). No functional or behavioral toxicity was observed in offspring of rats administered saxagliptin at any dose.

Saxagliptin crosses the placenta into the fetus following dosing in pregnant rats.

Nursing Mothers

Saxagliptin is secreted in the milk of lactating rats at approximately a 1:1 ratio with plasma drug concentrations. It is not known whether saxagliptin is secreted in human milk. Because many drugs are secreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Onglyza is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of Onglyza in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use

In the six, double-blind, controlled clinical safety and efficacy trials of Onglyza, 634 (15.3%) of the 4148 randomized patients were 65 years and over, and 59 (1.4%) patients were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients ≥65 years old and the younger patients. While this clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Saxagliptin and its active metabolite are eliminated in part by the kidney. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection in the elderly based on renal function. [See Dosage and Administration, Patients with Renal Impairment and Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics.]

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Overdosage

In a controlled clinical trial, once-daily, orally-administered Onglyza in healthy subjects at doses up to 400 mg daily for 2 weeks (80 times the MRHD) had no dose-related clinical adverse reactions and no clinically meaningful effect on QTc interval or heart rate.

In the event of an overdose, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated as dictated by the patient's clinical status. Saxagliptin and its active metabolite are removed by hemodialysis (23% of dose over 4 hours).

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Description

Saxagliptin is an orally-active inhibitor of the DPP4 enzyme.

Saxagliptin monohydrate is described chemically as (1S,3S,5S)-2-[(2S)-2-Amino-2-(3-hydroxytricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]dec-1-yl)acetyl]-2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-3-carbonitrile, monohydrate or (1S,3S,5S) - 2 - [(2S) - 2 - Amino - 2 - (3 - hydroxyadamantan - 1 - yl)acetyl] - 2 - azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane - 3 - carbonitrile hydrate. The empirical formula is C18H25N3O2-H2O and the molecular weight is 333.43. The structural formula is:

Saxagliptin Structural Formula

Saxagliptin monohydrate is a white to light yellow or light brown, non-hygroscopic, crystalline powder. It is sparingly soluble in water at 24°C ± 3°C, slightly soluble in ethyl acetate, and soluble in methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetonitrile, acetone, and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400).

Each film-coated tablet of Onglyza for oral use contains either 2.79 mg saxagliptin hydrochloride (anhydrous) equivalent to 2.5 mg saxagliptin or 5.58 mg saxagliptin hydrochloride (anhydrous) equivalent to 5 mg saxagliptin and the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate. In addition, the film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, talc, and iron oxides.

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Clinical Pharmacology

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 dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) enzyme within minutes. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, reducing hepatic glucose production. In patients with type 2 diabetes, concentrations of GLP-1 are reduced but the insulin response to GLP-1 is preserved. Saxagliptin is a competitive DPP4 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.

Pharmacodynamics

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, administration of Onglyza inhibits DPP4 enzyme activity for a 24-hour period. After an oral glucose load or a meal, this DPP4 inhibition resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increase in circulating levels of active GLP-1 and GIP, decreased glucagon concentrations, and increased glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. The rise in insulin and decrease in glucagon were associated with lower fasting glucose concentrations and reduced glucose excursion following an oral glucose load or a meal.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-way crossover, active comparator study using moxifloxacin in 40 healthy subjects, Onglyza was not associated with clinically meaningful prolongation of the QTc interval or heart rate at daily doses up to 40 mg (8 times the MRHD).

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite, 5-hydroxy saxagliptin were similar in healthy subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Cmax and AUC values of saxagliptin and its active metabolite increased proportionally in the 2.5 to 400 mg dose range. Following a 5 mg single oral dose of saxagliptin to healthy subjects, the mean plasma AUC values for saxagliptin and its active metabolite were 78 ng-h/mL and 214 ng-h/mL, respectively. The corresponding plasma Cmax values were 24 ng/mL and 47 ng/mL, respectively. The average variability (%CV) for AUC and Cmax for both saxagliptin and its active metabolite was less than 25%.

No appreciable accumulation of either saxagliptin or its active metabolite was observed with repeated once-daily dosing at any dose level. No dose- and time-dependence were observed in the clearance of saxagliptin and its active metabolite over 14 days of once-daily dosing with saxagliptin at doses ranging from 2.5 to 400 mg.

Absorption

The median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) following the 5 mg once daily dose was 2 hours for saxagliptin and 4 hours for its active metabolite. Administration with a high-fat meal resulted in an increase in Tmax of saxagliptin by approximately 20 minutes as compared to fasted conditions. There was a 27% increase in the AUC of saxagliptin when given with a meal as compared to fasted conditions. Onglyza may be administered with or without food.

Distribution

The in vitro protein binding of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in human serum is negligible. Therefore, changes in blood protein levels in various disease states (e.g., renal or hepatic impairment) are not expected to alter the disposition of saxagliptin.

Metabolism

The metabolism of saxagliptin is primarily mediated by cytochrome P450 3A4/5 (CYP3A4/5). The major metabolite of saxagliptin is also a DPP4 inhibitor, which is one-half as potent as saxagliptin. Therefore, strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors and inducers will alter the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite. [See Drug Interactions.]

Excretion

Saxagliptin is eliminated by both renal and hepatic pathways. Following a single 50 mg dose of 14C-saxagliptin, 24%, 36%, and 75% of the dose was excreted in the urine as saxagliptin, its active metabolite, and total radioactivity, respectively. The average renal clearance of saxagliptin (~230 mL/min) was greater than the average estimated glomerular filtration rate (~120 mL/min), suggesting some active renal excretion. A total of 22% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in feces representing the fraction of the saxagliptin dose excreted in bile and/or unabsorbed drug from the gastrointestinal tract. Following a single oral dose of Onglyza 5 mg to healthy subjects, the mean plasma terminal half-life (t1/2) for saxagliptin and its active metabolite was 2.5 and 3.1 hours, respectively.

Specific Populations

Renal Impairment

A single-dose, open-label study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin (10 mg dose) in subjects with varying degrees of chronic renal impairment (N=8 per group) compared to subjects with normal renal function. The study included patients with renal impairment classified on the basis of creatinine clearance as mild (>50 to ≤80 mL/min), moderate (30 to ≤50 mL/min), and severe (<30 mL/min), as well as patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Creatinine clearance was estimated from serum creatinine based on the Cockcroft-Gault formula:

CrCl = [140 − age (years)] × weight (kg) {× 0.85 for female patients}

[72 × serum creatinine (mg/dL)]

The degree of renal impairment did not affect the Cmax of saxagliptin or its active metabolite. In subjects with mild renal impairment, the AUC values of saxagliptin and its active metabolite were 20% and 70% higher, respectively, than AUC values in subjects with normal renal function. Because increases of this magnitude are not considered to be clinically relevant, dosage adjustment in patients with mild renal impairment is not recommended. In subjects with moderate or severe renal impairment, the AUC values of saxagliptin and its active metabolite were up to 2.1- and 4.5-fold higher, respectively, than AUC values in subjects with normal renal function. To achieve plasma exposures of saxagliptin and its active metabolite similar to those in patients with normal renal function, the recommended dose is 2.5 mg once daily in patients with moderate and severe renal impairment, as well as in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis. Saxagliptin is removed by hemodialysis.

Hepatic Impairment

In subjects with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C), mean Cmax and AUC of saxagliptin were up to 8% and 77% higher, respectively, compared to healthy matched controls following administration of a single 10 mg dose of saxagliptin. The corresponding Cmax and AUC of the active metabolite were up to 59% and 33% lower, respectively, compared to healthy matched controls. These differences are not considered to be clinically meaningful. No dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment.

Body Mass Index

No dosage adjustment is recommended based on body mass index (BMI) which was not identified as a significant covariate on the apparent clearance of saxagliptin or its active metabolite in the population pharmacokinetic analysis.

Gender

No dosage adjustment is recommended based on gender. There were no differences observed in saxagliptin pharmacokinetics between males and females. Compared to males, females had approximately 25% higher exposure values for the active metabolite than males, but this difference is unlikely to be of clinical relevance. Gender was not identified as a significant covariate on the apparent clearance of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in the population pharmacokinetic analysis.

Geriatric

No dosage adjustment is recommended based on age alone. Elderly subjects (65-80 years) had 23% and 59% higher geometric mean Cmax and geometric mean AUC values, respectively, for saxagliptin than young subjects (18-40 years). Differences in active metabolite pharmacokinetics between elderly and young subjects generally reflected the differences observed in saxagliptin pharmacokinetics. The difference between the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and the active metabolite in young and elderly subjects is likely due to multiple factors including declining renal function and metabolic capacity with increasing age. Age was not identified as a significant covariate on the apparent clearance of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in the population pharmacokinetic analysis

Pediatric

Studies characterizing the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin in pediatric patients have not been performed.

Race and Ethnicity

No dosage adjustment is recommended based on race. The population pharmacokinetic analysis compared the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in 309 Caucasian subjects with 105 non-Caucasian subjects (consisting of six racial groups). No significant difference in the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite were detected between these two populations.

Drug-Drug Interactions

In Vitro Assessment of Drug Interactions

The metabolism of saxagliptin is primarily mediated by CYP3A4/5.

In in vitro studies, saxagliptin and its active metabolite did not inhibit CYP1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, or 3A4, or induce CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, or 3A4. Therefore, saxagliptin is not expected to alter the metabolic clearance of coadministered drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes. Saxagliptin is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate but is not a significant inhibitor or inducer of P-gp.

The in vitro protein binding of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in human serum is negligible. Thus, protein binding would not have a meaningful influence on the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin or other drugs.


 


In Vivo Assessment of Drug Interactions

Effects of Saxagliptin on Other Drugs

In studies conducted in healthy subjects, as described below, saxagliptin did not meaningfully alter the pharmacokinetics of metformin, glyburide, pioglitazone, digoxin, simvastatin, diltiazem, or ketoconazole.

Metformin: Coadministration of a single dose of saxagliptin (100 mg) and metformin (1000 mg), an hOCT-2 substrate, did not alter the pharmacokinetics of metformin in healthy subjects. Therefore, Onglyza is not an inhibitor of hOCT-2-mediated transport.

Glyburide: Coadministration of a single dose of saxagliptin (10 mg) and glyburide (5 mg), a CYP2C9 substrate, increased the plasma Cmax of glyburide by 16%; however, the AUC of glyburide was unchanged. Therefore, Onglyza does not meaningfully inhibit CYP2C9-mediated metabolism.

Pioglitazone: Coadministration of multiple once-daily doses of saxagliptin (10 mg) and pioglitazone (45 mg), a CYP2C8 substrate, increased the plasma Cmax of pioglitazone by 14%; however, the AUC of pioglitazone was unchanged.

Digoxin: Coadministration of multiple once-daily doses of saxagliptin (10 mg) and digoxin (0.25 mg), a P-gp substrate, did not alter the pharmacokinetics of digoxin. Therefore, Onglyza is not an inhibitor or inducer of P-gp-mediated transport.

Simvastatin: Coadministration of multiple once-daily doses of saxagliptin (10 mg) and simvastatin (40 mg), a CYP3A4/5 substrate, did not alter the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin. Therefore, Onglyza is not an inhibitor or inducer of CYP3A4/5-mediated metabolism.

Diltiazem: Coadministration of multiple once-daily doses of saxagliptin (10 mg) and diltiazem (360 mg long-acting formulation at steady state), a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4/5, increased the plasma Cmax of diltiazem by 16%; however, the AUC of diltiazem was unchanged.

Ketoconazole: Coadministration of a single dose of saxagliptin (100 mg) and multiple doses of ketoconazole (200 mg every 12 hours at steady state), a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4/5 and P-gp, decreased the plasma Cmax and AUC of ketoconazole by 16% and 13%, respectively.

Effects of Other Drugs on Saxagliptin

Metformin: Coadministration of a single dose of saxagliptin (100 mg) and metformin (1000 mg), an hOCT-2 substrate, decreased the Cmax of saxagliptin by 21%; however, the AUC was unchanged.

Glyburide: Coadministration of a single dose of saxagliptin (10 mg) and glyburide (5 mg), a CYP2C9 substrate, increased the Cmax of saxagliptin by 8%; however, the AUC of saxagliptin was unchanged.

Pioglitazone: Coadministration of multiple once-daily doses of saxagliptin (10 mg) and pioglitazone (45 mg), a CYP2C8 (major) and CYP3A4 (minor) substrate, did not alter the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin.

Digoxin: Coadministration of multiple once-daily doses of saxagliptin (10 mg) and digoxin (0.25 mg), a P-gp substrate, did not alter the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin.

Simvastatin: Coadministration of multiple once-daily doses of saxagliptin (10 mg) and simvastatin (40 mg), a CYP3A4/5 substrate, increased the Cmax of saxagliptin by 21%; however, the AUC of saxagliptin was unchanged.

Diltiazem: Coadministration of a single dose of saxagliptin (10 mg) and diltiazem (360 mg long-acting formulation at steady state), a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4/5, increased the Cmax of saxagliptin by 63% and the AUC by 2.1-fold. This was associated with a corresponding decrease in the Cmax and AUC of the active metabolite by 44% and 36%, respectively.

Ketoconazole: Coadministration of a single dose of saxagliptin (100 mg) and ketoconazole (200 mg every 12 hours at steady state), a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4/5 and P-gp, increased the Cmax for saxagliptin by 62% and the AUC by 2.5-fold. This was associated with a corresponding decrease in the Cmax and AUC of the active metabolite by 95% and 91%, respectively.

In another study, coadministration of a single dose of saxagliptin (20 mg) and ketoconazole (200 mg every 12 hours at steady state), increased the Cmax and AUC of saxagliptin by 2.4-fold and 3.7-fold, respectively. This was associated with a corresponding decrease in the Cmax and AUC of the active metabolite by 96% and 90%, respectively.

Rifampin: Coadministration of a single dose of saxagliptin (5 mg) and rifampin (600 mg QD at steady state) decreased the Cmax and AUC of saxagliptin by 53% and 76%, respectively, with a corresponding increase in Cmax (39%) but no significant change in the plasma AUC of the active metabolite.

Omeprazole: Coadministration of multiple once-daily doses of saxagliptin (10 mg) and omeprazole (40 mg), a CYP2C19 (major) and CYP3A4 substrate, an inhibitor of CYP2C19, and an inducer of MRP-3, did not alter the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin.

Aluminum hydroxide + magnesium hydroxide + simethicone: Coadministration of a single dose of saxagliptin (10 mg) and a liquid containing aluminum hydroxide (2400 mg), magnesium hydroxide (2400 mg), and simethicone (240 mg) decreased the Cmax of saxagliptin by 26%; however, the AUC of saxagliptin was unchanged.

Famotidine: Administration of a single dose of saxagliptin (10 mg) 3 hours after a single dose of famotidine (40 mg), an inhibitor of hOCT-1, hOCT-2, and hOCT-3, increased the Cmax of saxagliptin by 14%; however, the AUC of saxagliptin was unchanged.

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Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Saxagliptin did not induce tumors in either mice (50, 250, and 600 mg/kg) or rats (25, 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg) at the highest doses evaluated. The highest doses evaluated in mice were equivalent to approximately 870 (males) and 1165 (females) times the human exposure at the MRHD of 5 mg/day. In rats, exposures were approximately 355 (males) and 2217 (females) times the MRHD.

Saxagliptin was not mutagenic or clastogenic with or without metabolic activation in an in vitro Ames bacterial assay, an in vitro cytogenetics assay in primary human lymphocytes, an in vivo oral micronucleus assay in rats, an in vivo oral DNA repair study in rats, and an oral in vivo/in vitro cytogenetics study in rat peripheral blood lymphocytes. The active metabolite was not mutagenic in an in vitro Ames bacterial assay.

In a rat fertility study, males were treated with oral gavage doses for 2 weeks prior to mating, during mating, and up to scheduled termination (approximately 4 weeks total) and females were treated with oral gavage doses for 2 weeks prior to mating through gestation day 7. No adverse effects on fertility were observed at exposures of approximately 603 (males) and 776 (females) times the MRHD. Higher doses that elicited maternal toxicity also increased fetal resorptions (approximately 2069 and 6138 times the MRHD). Additional effects on estrous cycling, fertility, ovulation, and implantation were observed at approximately 6138 times the MRHD.

Animal Toxicology

Saxagliptin produced adverse skin changes in the extremities of cynomolgus monkeys (scabs and/or ulceration of tail, digits, scrotum, and/or nose). Skin lesions were reversible at ≥20 times the MRHD but in some cases were irreversible and necrotizing at higher exposures. Adverse skin changes were not observed at exposures similar to (1 to 3 times) the MRHD of 5 mg. Clinical correlates to skin lesions in monkeys have not been observed in human clinical trials of saxagliptin.

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Clinical Studies

Onglyza has been studied as monotherapy and in combination with metformin, glyburide, and thiazolidinedione (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) therapy. Onglyza has not been studied in combination with insulin.

A total of 4148 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized in six, double-blind, controlled clinical trials conducted to evaluate the safety and glycemic efficacy of Onglyza. A total of 3021 patients in these trials were treated with Onglyza. In these trials, the mean age was 54 years, and 71% of patients were Caucasian, 16% were Asian, 4% were black, and 9% were of other racial groups. An additional 423 patients, including 315 who received Onglyza, participated in a placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of 6 to 12 weeks in duration.

In these six, double-blind trials, Onglyza was evaluated at doses of 2.5 mg and 5 mg once daily. Three of these trials also evaluated a saxagliptin dose of 10 mg daily. The 10 mg daily dose of saxagliptin did not provide greater efficacy than the 5 mg daily dose. Treatment with Onglyza at all doses produced clinically relevant and statistically significant improvements in hemoglobin A1c (A1C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and 2-hour postprandial glucose (PPG) following a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), compared to control. Reductions in A1C were seen across subgroups including gender, age, race, and baseline BMI.

Onglyza was not associated with significant changes from baseline in body weight or fasting serum lipids compared to placebo.

Monotherapy

A total of 766 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on diet and exercise (A1C ≥7% to ≤10%) participated in two 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of Onglyza monotherapy.

In the first trial, following a 2-week single-blind diet, exercise, and placebo lead-in period, 401 patients were randomized to 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg of Onglyza or placebo. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the study were treated with metformin rescue therapy, added on to placebo or Onglyza. Efficacy was evaluated at the last measurement prior to rescue therapy for patients needing rescue. Dose titration of Onglyza was not permitted.

Treatment with Onglyza 2.5 mg and 5 mg daily provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and PPG compared to placebo (Table 3). The percentage of patients who discontinued for lack of glycemic control or who were rescued for meeting prespecified glycemic criteria was 16% in the Onglyza 2.5 mg treatment group, 20% in the Onglyza 5 mg treatment group, and 26% in the placebo group.

Table 3: Glycemic Parameters at Week 24 in a Placebo-Controlled Study of Onglyza Monotherapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes*

Efficacy ParameterOnglyza
2.5 mg
N=102
Onglyza
5 mg
N=106
Placebo

N=95
* Intent-to-treat population using last observation on study or last observation prior to metformin rescue therapy for patients needing rescue.
† Least squares mean adjusted for baseline value.
c p-value <0.0001 compared to placebo
§ p-value <0.05 compared to placebo
Significance was not tested for the 2-hour PPG for the 2.5 mg dose of Onglyza.
Hemoglobin A1C (%) N=100 N=103 N=92
Baseline (mean) 7.9 8.0 7.9
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −0.4 −0.5 +0.2
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) −0.6c −0.6c  
95% Confidence Interval (−0.9, −0.3) (−0.9, −0.4)  
Percent of patients achieving A1C <7% 35% (35/100) 38% § (39/103) 24% (22/92)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL) N=101 N=105 N=92
Baseline (mean) 178 171 172
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −15 −9 +6
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) −21 § −15 §  
95% Confidence Interval (−31, −10) (−25, −4)  
2-hour Postprandial Glucose (mg/dL) N=78 N=84 N=71
Baseline (mean) 279 278 283
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −45 −43 −6
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) −39 −37 §  
95% Confidence Interval (−61, −16) (−59, −15)

A second 24-week monotherapy trial was conducted to assess a range of dosing regimens for Onglyza. Treatment-naive patients with inadequately controlled diabetes (A1C ≥7% to ≤10%) underwent a 2-week, single-blind diet, exercise, and placebo lead-in period. A total of 365 patients were randomized to 2.5 mg every morning, 5 mg every morning, 2.5 mg with possible titration to 5 mg every morning, or 5 mg every evening of Onglyza, or placebo. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the study were treated with metformin rescue therapy added on to placebo or Onglyza; the number of patients randomized per treatment group ranged from 71 to 74.

Treatment with either Onglyza 5 mg every morning or 5 mg every evening provided significant improvements in A1C versus placebo (mean placebo-corrected reductions of −0.4% and −0.3%, respectively). Treatment with Onglyza 2.5 mg every morning also provided significant improvement in A1C versus placebo (mean placebo-corrected reduction of −0.4%).

Combination Therapy

Add-On Combination Therapy with Metformin

A total of 743 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Onglyza in combination with metformin in patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C ≥7% and ≤10%) on metformin alone. To qualify for enrollment, patients were required to be on a stable dose of metformin (1500-2550 mg daily) for at least 8 weeks.

Patients who met eligibility criteria were enrolled in a single-blind, 2-week, dietary and exercise placebo lead-in period during which patients received metformin at their pre-study dose, up to 2500 mg daily, for the duration of the study. Following the lead-in period, eligible patients were randomized to 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg of Onglyza or placebo in addition to their current dose of open-label metformin. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the study were treated with pioglitazone rescue therapy, added on to existing study medications. Dose titrations of Onglyza and metformin were not permitted.

Onglyza 2.5 mg and 5 mg add-on to meformin provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and PPG compared with placebo add-on to metformin (Table 4). Mean changes from baseline for A1C over time and at endpoint are shown in Figure 1. The proportion of patients who discontinued for lack of glycemic control or who were rescued for meeting prespecified glycemic criteria was 15% in the Onglyza 2.5 mg add-on to metformin group, 13% in the Onglyza 5 mg add-on to metformin group, and 27% in the placebo add-on to metformin group.

Table 4: Glycemic Parameters at Week 24 in a Placebo-Controlled Study of Onglyza as Add-On Combination Therapy with Metformin*

Efficacy ParameterOnglyza 2.5 mg
+
Metformin
N=192
Onglyza 5 mg
+
Metformin
N=191
Placebo
+
Metformin
N=179
* Intent-to-treat population using last observation on study or last observation prior to pioglitazone rescue therapy for patients needing rescue.
† Least squares mean adjusted for baseline value.
c p-value <0.0001 compared to placebo + metformin
§ p-value <0.05 compared to placebo + metformin
Hemoglobin A1C (%) N=186 N=186 N=175
Baseline (mean) 8.1 8.1 8.1
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −0.6 −0.7 +0.1
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) −0.7c −0.8c  
95% Confidence Interval (−0.9, −0.5) (−1.0, −0.6)  
Percent of patients achieving A1C <7% 37% § (69/186) 44% § (81/186) 17% (29/175)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL) N=188 N=187 N=176
Baseline (mean) 174 179 175
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −14 −22 +1
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) −16 § −23 §  
95% Confidence Interval (−23, −9) (−30, −16)  
2-hour Postprandial Glucose (mg/dL) N=155 N=155 N=135
Baseline (mean) 294 296 295
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −62 −58 −18
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) −44 § −40 §  
95% Confidence Interval (−60, −27) (−56, −24)

Figure 1: Mean Change from Baseline in A1C in a Placebo-Controlled Trial of Onglyza as Add-On Combination Therapy with Metformin*

Onglyza figure 1

* Includes patients with a baseline and week 24 value.

Week 24 (LOCF) includes intent-to-treat population using last observation on study prior to pioglitazone rescue therapy for patients needing rescue. Mean change from baseline is adjusted for baseline value.

Add-On Combination Therapy with a Thiazolidinedione

A total of 565 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Onglyza in combination with a thiazolidinedione (TZD) in patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C ≥7% to ≤10.5%) on TZD alone. To qualify for enrollment, patients were required to be on a stable dose of pioglitazone (30-45 mg once daily) or rosiglitazone (4 mg once daily or 8 mg either once daily or in two divided doses of 4 mg) for at least 12 weeks.

Patients who met eligibility criteria were enrolled in a single-blind, 2-week, dietary and exercise placebo lead-in period during which patients received TZD at their pre-study dose for the duration of the study. Following the lead-in period, eligible patients were randomized to 2.5 mg or 5 mg of Onglyza or placebo in addition to their current dose of TZD. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the study were treated with metformin rescue, added on to existing study medications. Dose titration of Onglyza or TZD was not permitted during the study. A change in TZD regimen from rosiglitazone to pioglitazone at specified, equivalent therapeutic doses was permitted at the investigator's discretion if believed to be medically appropriate.

Onglyza 2.5 mg and 5 mg add-on to TZD provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and PPG compared with placebo add-on to TZD (Table 5). The proportion of patients who discontinued for lack of glycemic control or who were rescued for meeting prespecified glycemic criteria was 10% in the Onglyza 2.5 mg add-on to TZD group, 6% for the Onglyza 5 mg add-on to TZD group, and 10% in the placebo add-on to TZD group.

Table 5: Glycemic Parameters at Week 24 in a Placebo-Controlled Study of Onglyza as Add-On Combination Therapy with a Thiazolidinedione*

Efficacy ParameterOnglyza 2.5 mg
+
TZD
N=195
Onglyza 5 mg
+
TZD
N=186
Placebo
+
TZD
N=184
* Intent-to-treat population using last observation on study or last observation prior to metformin rescue therapy for patients needing rescue.
† Least squares mean adjusted for baseline value.
c p-value <0.0001 compared to placebo + TZD
§ p-value <0.05 compared to placebo + TZD
Hemoglobin A1C (%) N=192 N=183 N=180
Baseline (mean) 8.3 8.4 8.2
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −0.7 −0.9 −0.3
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) −0.4 § −0.6c  
95% Confidence Interval (−0.6, −0.2) (−0.8, −0.4)  
Percent of patients achieving A1C <7% 42% § (81/192) 42% § (77/184) 26% (46/180)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL) N=193 N=185 N=181
Baseline (mean) 163 160 162
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −14 −17 −3
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) −12 § −15 §  
95% Confidence Interval (−20, −3) (−23, −6)  
2-hour Postprandial Glucose (mg/dL) N=156 N=134 N=127
Baseline (mean) 296 303 291
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −55 −65 −15
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) −40 § −50 §  
95% Confidence Interval (−56, −24) (−66, −34)  

Add-On Combination Therapy with Glyburide

A total of 768 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Onglyza in combination with a sulfonylurea (SU) in patients with inadequate glycemic control at enrollment (A1C ≥7.5% to ≤10%) on a submaximal dose of SU alone. To qualify for enrollment, patients were required to be on a submaximal dose of SU for 2 months or greater. In this study, Onglyza in combination with a fixed, intermediate dose of SU was compared to titration to a higher dose of SU.

Patients who met eligibility criteria were enrolled in a single-blind, 4-week, dietary and exercise lead-in period, and placed on glyburide 7.5 mg once daily. Following the lead-in period, eligible patients with A1C ≥7% to ≤10% were randomized to either 2.5 mg or 5 mg of Onglyza add-on to 7.5 mg glyburide or to placebo plus a 10 mg total daily dose of glyburide. Patients who received placebo were eligible to have glyburide up-titrated to a total daily dose of 15 mg. Up-titration of glyburide was not permitted in patients who received Onglyza 2.5 mg or 5 mg. Glyburide could be down-titrated in any treatment group once during the 24-week study period due to hypoglycemia as deemed necessary by the investigator. Approximately 92% of patients in the placebo plus glyburide group were up-titrated to a final total daily dose of 15 mg during the first 4 weeks of the study period. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the study were treated with metformin rescue, added on to existing study medication. Dose titration of Onglyza was not permitted during the study.

In combination with glyburide, Onglyza 2.5 mg and 5 mg provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and PPG compared with the placebo plus up-titrated glyburide group (Table 6). The proportion of patients who discontinued for lack of glycemic control or who were rescued for meeting prespecified glycemic criteria was 18% in the Onglyza 2.5 mg add-on to glyburide group, 17% in the Onglyza 5 mg add-on to glyburide group, and 30% in the placebo plus up-titrated glyburide group.

Table 6: Glycemic Parameters at Week 24 in a Placebo-Controlled Study of Onglyza as Add-On Combination Therapy with Glyburide*

Efficacy ParameterOnglyza
2.5 mg
+
Glyburide
7.5 mg
N=248
Onglyza
5 mg
+
Glyburide
7.5 mg
N=253
Placebo

+
Up-Titrated Glyburide
N=267
* Intent-to-treat population using last observation on study or last observation prior to metformin rescue therapy for patients needing rescue.
† Least squares mean adjusted for baseline value.
c p-value <0.0001 compared to placebo + up-titrated glyburide
§ p-value <0.05 compared to placebo + up-titrated glyburide
Hemoglobin A1C (%) N=246 N=250 N=264
Baseline (mean) 8.4 8.5 8.4
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −0.5 −0.6 +0.1
Difference from up-titrated glyburide (adjusted mean†) −0.6c −0.7c  
95% Confidence Interval (−0.8, −0.5) (−0.9, −0.6)  
Percent of patients achieving A1C <7% 22% § (55/246) 23% § (57/250) 9% (24/264)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL) N=247 N=252 N=265
Baseline (mean) 170 175 174
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −7 −10 +1
Difference from up-titrated glyburide (adjusted mean†) −8 § −10 §  
95% Confidence Interval (−14, −1) (−17, −4)  
2-hour Postprandial Glucose (mg/dL) N=195 N=202 N=206
Baseline (mean) 309 315 323
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −31 −34 +8
Difference from up-titrated glyburide (adjusted mean†) −38 § −42 §  
95% Confidence Interval (−50, −27) (−53, −31)

Coadministration with Metformin in Treatment-Naive Patients

A total of 1306 treatment-naive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in this 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Onglyza coadministered with metformin in patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C ≥8% to ≤12%) on diet and exercise alone. Patients were required to be treatment-naive to be enrolled in this study.

Patients who met eligibility criteria were enrolled in a single-blind, 1-week, dietary and exercise placebo lead-in period. Patients were randomized to one of four treatment arms: Onglyza 5 mg + metformin 500 mg, saxagliptin 10 mg + metformin 500 mg, saxagliptin 10 mg + placebo, or metformin 500 mg + placebo. Onglyza was dosed once daily. In the 3 treatment groups using metformin, the metformin dose was up-titrated weekly in 500 mg per day increments, as tolerated, to a maximum of 2000 mg per day based on FPG. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the studies were treated with pioglitazone rescue as add-on therapy.

Coadministration of Onglyza 5 mg plus metformin provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and PPG compared with placebo plus metformin (Table 7).

Table 7: Glycemic Parameters at Week 24 in a Placebo-Controlled Trial of Onglyza Coadministration with Metformin in Treatment-Naive Patients

Efficacy ParameterOnglyza 5 mg
+
Metformin
N=320
Placebo
+
Metformin
N=328
* Intent-to-treat population using last observation on study or last observation prior to pioglitazone rescue therapy for patients needing rescue.
† Least squares mean adjusted for baseline value.
c p-value <0.0001 compared to placebo + metformin
§ p-value <0.05 compared to placebo + metformin
Hemoglobin A1C (%) N=306 N=313
Baseline (mean) 9.4 9.4
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −2.5 −2.0
Difference from placebo + metformin (adjusted mean†) −0.5c  
95% Confidence Interval (−0.7, −0.4)  
Percent of patients achieving A1C <7% 60% § (185/307) 41% (129/314)
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL) N=315 N=320
Baseline (mean) 199 199
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −60 −47
Difference from placebo + metformin (adjusted mean†) −13 §  
95% Confidence Interval (−19, −6)  
2-hour Postprandial Glucose (mg/dL) N=146 N=141
Baseline (mean) 340 355
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) −138 −97
Difference from placebo + metformin (adjusted mean†) −41 §  
95% Confidence Interval (−57, −25)

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How Supplied

Onglyza™ (saxagliptin) tablets have markings on both sides and are available in the strengths and packages listed in Table 8.

Tablet
Strength
Film-Coated Tablet
Color/Shape
Tablet
Markings
Package SizeNDC Code
5 mg pink
biconvex, round
"5" on one side and "4215" on the reverse, in blue ink Bottles of 30
Bottles of 90
Bottles of 500
Blister of 100
0003-4215-11
0003-4215-21
0003-4215-31
0003-4215-41
2.5 mg pale yellow to light yellow
biconvex, round
"2.5" on one side and "4214" on the reverse, in blue ink Bottles of 30
Bottles of 90
0003-4214-11
0003-4214-21

Storage and Handling

Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

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Last Updated: 07/09

E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.

Onglyza patient information

Detailed Info on Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments of Diabetes


The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.

back to: Browse all Medications for Diabetes

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2009, July 31). Onglyza for Treatment of Diabetes - Full Prescribing Information, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 9 from https://www.healthyplace.com/diabetes/medications/onglyza-saxagliptin-prescibing-information

Last Updated: March 10, 2016