How do you take Saxagliptin?

Take one tablet (usually 5 mg) once a day, with or without food, at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with water — do not crush or chew it. Your doctor may reduce your dose to 2.5 mg if you have kidney problems or are taking certain other medicines.

What are the side effects of Saxagliptin?

Headache, upper respiratory tract infection (cold-like symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat), urinary tract infection (pain or burning when urinating), stomach discomfort or gas

Who should not take Saxagliptin?

People who are allergic to saxagliptin or any ingredient in Onglyza tablets. People with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous diabetes emergency). People with a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) should use it with caution and only under close medical supervision. Those with severe kidney disease may need a lower dose or a different medicine.

Prescription

DPP-4 inhibitor (antidiabetic)

Saxagliptin

Q: What is Saxagliptin used for?

Type 2 diabetes (sugar disease), usually used alongside diet, exercise, and sometimes other diabetes medicines like metformin

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Saxagliptin (sold as Onglyza in Nigeria) is a diabetes medicine that works by helping your body release more insulin after meals and reducing the amount of sugar your liver produces, so your blood sugar stays at a healthy level.

What is it used for?

Type 2 diabetes (sugar disease)usually used alongside dietexerciseand sometimes other diabetes medicines like metformin

Browse by condition

Diabetes

How it works

Inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme, preventing degradation of incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) and thereby increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon release in response to elevated blood glucose levels.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

Quick Interaction Check

Is Saxagliptin safe to take with another drug?

Check with multiple drugs →

Explore this drug

What to watch out for

Only buy Onglyza from reputable pharmacies — avoid roadside or unregistered sellers, as fake diabetes medicines are dangerous. Monitor your blood sugar regularly as your doctor advises. Do not share your diabetes medicine with anyone else, even if they also have sugar disease — dosages differ from person to person.

Common Side Effects

Headache
upper respiratory tract infection (cold-like symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat)
urinary tract infection (pain or burning when urinating)
stomach discomfort or gas

Serious Side Effects

Severe joint pain that does not go away — see a doctor quickly. Signs of pancreatitis (intense stomach pain that spreads to your back
with nausea and vomiting) — go to the hospital immediately. Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face
lips
or throat and difficulty breathing — seek emergency help.

Drug Interactions

Ketoconazole and other strong antifungal medicines can increase saxagliptin levels in your body, so your doctor may lower your dose. Some HIV medicines (like ritonavir) can also interact with it. If you take insulin or sulfonylureas (like glimepiride), combining them with saxagliptin can cause your blood sugar to drop too low, so watch for dizziness and sweating.

Check your specific combination

Is it safe to take Saxagliptin with your other drugs?

Check →

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Saxagliptin is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — consult your doctor for a safer alternative if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to saxagliptin or any ingredient in Onglyza tablets. People with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous diabetes emergency). People with a history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) should use it with caution and only under close medical supervision. Those with severe kidney disease may need a lower dose or a different medicine.

How to Store

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so do not leave it in a car or near a window. Keep it in a cool, dry place and always out of reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.