Onglyza® Tablets for Type 2 Diabetes

What Onglyza® Is and How It Works

Onglyza® (saxagliptin) is an oral DPP-4 inhibitor for adults with type 2 diabetes. CanadianInsulin provides access to Canadian pricing from Canada and ships to the US, with US delivery from Canada. This guide explains how Onglyza works, who it suits, dosing basics, and ways to evaluate Onglyza price without insurance.

At CanadianInsulin, orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies after we confirm a valid prescription with your clinic.

Saxagliptin reduces the activity of the DPP-4 enzyme, which slows the breakdown of incretin hormones such as GLP-1 and GIP. Higher incretin levels help the pancreas release more insulin when blood glucose is high and reduce glucagon when glucose is elevated. The effect improves fasting and after-meal glucose. Onglyza is used with diet and exercise, either alone or alongside other diabetes medicines such as metformin, thiazolidinediones, insulin, or sulfonylureas. It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.

The glucose-dependent mechanism means the risk of low blood sugar is lower when saxagliptin is used on its own. In combination with agents that can cause hypoglycemia, the overall risk is higher, so clinicians may adjust other therapies. Treatment goals, including A1C targets, are individualized and reviewed over time.

Who Onglyza® Is For

Onglyza is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes as part of a comprehensive plan that includes nutritional guidance and physical activity. It may be chosen as initial therapy or added to an existing regimen when A1C remains above target on another agent such as metformin.

It is not for type 1 diabetes. Onglyza has not established safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients. People with a history of pancreatitis, heart failure, serious hypersensitivity reactions to saxagliptin, or significant renal impairment require careful evaluation. Those with liver disease or multiple interacting medicines also need individualized assessment. For a primer on the condition, see the overview of Type 2 Diabetes.

Dosage and Usage

The usual dose is 5 mg by mouth once daily. Tablets can be taken with or without food and swallowed whole with water. A consistent daily time helps maintain routine.

A lower dose of 2.5 mg once daily is used for patients who take strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors or who have clinically significant renal impairment. On hemodialysis days, the dose is taken after dialysis. When saxagliptin is combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea, a clinician may reduce the dose of those agents to limit hypoglycemia. For label-based details, review Correct Dosage Onglyza.

Use only as directed by a licensed prescriber and follow the instruction on the prescription label provided for the individual patient.

Strengths and Forms

Onglyza is supplied as film-coated oral tablets in widely available strengths:

• 2.5 mg tablets
• 5 mg tablets

Packaging and availability may vary by pharmacy and country. The strengths above reflect commonly published options.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. If it is near the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep the medicine in the original, child-resistant container with the pharmacy label. Do not store in a bathroom. When traveling, keep the prescription-labeled bottle in carry-on luggage. Carry extra tablets and a copy of the prescription in case plans change. For home disposal, follow local medication disposal guidance or pharmacy take-back options.

Benefits

Onglyza helps lower A1C when used with diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes. The medicine targets the DPP-4 pathway to improve insulin response when glucose is high and to reduce glucagon. Once-daily dosing, no relation to meals, and use as monotherapy or an add-on make it a practical option in many treatment plans. Hypoglycemia is uncommon when used alone. When used with other agents, additive A1C reduction can support personalized goals.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects include:

• Upper respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough, or sore throat
• Headache
• Urinary tract infection
• Stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea
• Peripheral edema
• Rash or mild hypersensitivity

Serious reactions are uncommon but possible. Seek medical attention for symptoms of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain that may move to the back and persist), signs of heart failure (shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, swelling of the legs), severe joint pain, or blistering skin consistent with bullous pemphigoid. Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported. Hypoglycemia risk increases when saxagliptin is combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Learn more in Onglyza Side Effects.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors can increase saxagliptin levels, and a 2.5 mg daily dose is typically used with these medicines. Examples include certain azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, HIV protease inhibitors, and some calcium channel blockers. Strong CYP3A4/5 inducers, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and St. John’s wort, may reduce saxagliptin exposure and effect. Combining saxagliptin with insulin or a sulfonylurea can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Concomitant use with another DPP-4 inhibitor is not recommended.

Kidney function influences dosing and monitoring. People with a history of pancreatitis, prior serious hypersensitivity reactions, serious skin reactions, or heart failure require careful consideration. A clinician will review all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements for interactions and risks.

What to Expect Over Time

Blood glucose may begin to improve within weeks of consistent use. A1C reflects average control, so the impact is typically assessed over several months. Many adults remain on a stable dose when goals are met and the medicine is well tolerated. If used as add-on therapy, incremental A1C reduction may be observed. Routine follow-up, glucose monitoring, and lab testing help guide adjustments. For a class overview, see the article on DPP 4 Inhibitors.

Compare With Alternatives

Approved DPP-4 inhibitor alternatives include sitagliptin and linagliptin. For a direct brand alternative offered on our site, consider Januvia®. When a prescriber prefers saxagliptin combined with metformin in one tablet, Komboglyze® may be an option. For a high-level comparison of two brands in this class, see Onglyza vs Januvia.

Pricing and Access

CanadianInsulin lists Onglyza with Canadian pricing and US delivery from Canada. You can buy Onglyza 5 mg with US shipping from Canada through secure checkout. Many patients compare the Onglyza cash price to other options to plan budgets. We make it straightforward to review Onglyza price from Canada and see how Canadian pricing can help.

For dose-specific choices, Onglyza 2.5 mg tablet Canadian pricing and Onglyza 5 mg tablets US shipping are available when a clinician prescribes those strengths. Some people check the cost of Onglyza from Canada alongside local quotes before deciding. Others review saxagliptin tablets price with US shipping to understand class options. Because AstraZeneca markets this brand, some compare AstraZeneca Onglyza price Canada against local pharmacy pricing to estimate potential savings.

Since the active ingredient is saxagliptin, the Onglyza generic name, research often includes saxagliptin price from Canada as context. Availability varies by market and by pharmacy. If paying without insurance, review Onglyza price without insurance and any current site offers. For updates on deals when available, visit our promotions page. Checkout is encrypted, and support is available if questions arise. Add the medicine to the cart to see current pricing and complete the order to start prescription verification and prompt, express shipping to the US.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply may vary by dispensing pharmacy. If a particular strength is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a different strength or an alternative agent in the same therapeutic class. In some cases, a fixed-dose combination such as saxagliptin with metformin may be considered when clinically appropriate.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Adults with type 2 diabetes who need additional glycemic control may be candidates for saxagliptin after a clinician reviews medical history and concurrent medicines. It is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. People with severe renal impairment, heart failure, prior serious hypersensitivity reactions, pancreatitis, or serious skin reactions need careful risk assessment before starting. Kidney and liver function should be evaluated and monitored based on clinical judgment.

To manage costs, consider multi-month supplies when appropriate, which may reduce per-unit costs and shipping frequency. Align refills with other chronic medications to simplify scheduling. Setting refill reminders helps prevent urgent orders. Starting the reorder process before the final week of supply encourages uninterrupted therapy. Ask a clinician whether a single strength can be used consistently to avoid partial fills.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is 5 mg daily or 2.5 mg daily the right dose based on kidney function and other medicines?
• Should any insulin or sulfonylurea dose be adjusted when adding saxagliptin?
• What symptoms suggest pancreatitis or heart failure, and what steps are recommended?
• Would switching to or from metformin combinations be appropriate for treatment goals?
• How often should A1C, kidney function, and other labs be checked on saxagliptin?
• Are there medicines in the current list that are strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors or inducers?

Authoritative Sources

• AstraZeneca Onglyza US Prescribing Information
• DailyMed Saxagliptin
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

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