Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of unwanted effects.
This medicine usually comes with a Medication Guide. Read the information carefully and make sure you understand it before taking this medicine. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Carefully follow the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is a very important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.
Take the medicine with the evening meal to help reduce unwanted stomach effects that may occur during the first few weeks of treatment.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
While taking the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
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For type 2 diabetes:
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For patients taking metformin alone:
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Adults—The metformin dose is the same as the dose you are already taking. Your doctor may adjust your dose until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 5 milligrams (mg) of saxagliptin and 2000 mg of metformin once a day.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For patients taking saxagliptin alone:
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Adults—At first, one tablet containing 5 milligrams (mg) of saxagliptin and 500 mg of metformin once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 5 mg of saxagliptin and 2000 mg of metformin once a day.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For patients using 2.5 milligrams (mg) of saxagliptin and extended-release metformin together:
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Adults—One tablet containing 2.5 mg of saxagliptin and 1000 mg of metformin once a day.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Portions of this document last updated: Aug. 01, 2024
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