What is Komboglyze?
Komboglyze is a combination medication containing saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride that is suitable for adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who require glycemic control along with exercise and diet.
Saxagliptin belongs to the DPP-4 inhibitors (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors) class of drugs, while metformin hydrochloride belongs to the biguanide class of drugs. It is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
What is this medication used for?
Komboglyze is a combination medication containing saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride that is suitable for adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are already being treated with a sulfonylurea, as well as exercise and diet, to improve glycemic control. This product is for those who are already treated with saxagliptin, metformin and a sulfonylurea or who are on metformin and a sulfonylurea alone.
Komboglyze is also indicated as a combination with premixed or long/intermediate-acting insulin, along with diet and exercise, to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetics who are already treated with saxagliptin, metformin and premixed or long/intermediate acting insulin or who are inadequately controlled on metformin and premixed or long/intermediate acting insulin alone.
How to take this drug
Komboglyze is a single pill, taken twice daily with meals. The dosage should be gradually escalated over time. The maximum daily dose of 5mg saxagliptin and 2000mg of metformin hydrochloride should not be exceeded.
Komboglyze should be used with caution in geriatric patients who are 65 years of age and older, and this medication is not suitable for patients who are 18 years of age and younger, as its safety and effectiveness in these patients has not been proven.
Komboglyze side effects
Komboglyze is a generally well-tolerated drug. However, one potentially fatal side effect of this medication is lactic acidosis. It is very rare, but serious and important to be aware of.
Common side effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Gas
Serious side effects
- Lactic acidosis
- Severe disabling joint pain
- Pancreatitis
- Skin reaction
- Heart failure
- Hypersensitivity
As with all diabetes-controlling drugs, administration may lead to a condition of low blood sugar called hypoglycemia.
Dosage
Komboglyze is available in tablets of varying strength. The following dosage strengths are available:
- 5mg saxagliptin/500mg metformin hydrochloride
- 5mg saxagliptin/850mg metformin hydrochloride
- 5mg saxagliptin/1000mg metformin hydrochloride
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
