Komboglyze (saxagliptin/metformin)

Komboglyze is a prescription oral medicine that combines saxagliptin and metformin to help manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. This page summarizes how the combination works, typical dosing patterns, safety topics, storage, and access steps. CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral platform supporting cash-pay access without insurance, with US shipping from Canada.

What Komboglyze Is and How It Works

This treatment contains two diabetes medicines with different mechanisms. Saxagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor (an enzyme blocker that helps increase incretin hormones), which can support meal-related insulin release and reduce glucagon. Metformin is a biguanide that lowers glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. Together, they target fasting and after-meal blood sugar using complementary pathways.

The combination is taken by mouth and is used alongside diet and activity plans set by a clinician. It does not replace insulin for people who require insulin therapy. For related background, browse the Type 2 Diabetes hub or the Oral Diabetes Medication guide. For class-level differences among DPP-4 inhibitors, see Sitagliptin Vs Saxagliptin.

Why it matters: Combining mechanisms can simplify regimens while still requiring routine monitoring.

Who It’s For

This medicine is generally prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes when a clinician decides that a two-drug oral approach is appropriate. It may be considered when metformin alone is not enough, or when a prescriber wants to use a DPP-4 inhibitor plus metformin in a single product. It is not intended for type 1 diabetes and is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

Some situations require extra caution or may be reasons a prescriber selects a different option. Metformin-containing products are typically avoided in people with significant kidney impairment or metabolic acidosis, because of the risk of lactic acidosis. A history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to either component is also a concern. For broader context, the Diabetes overview and the Non Insulin category can help when comparing non-insulin approaches discussed with a healthcare professional.

Dosage and Usage

Komboglyze dosage is individualized by the prescriber based on kidney function, current therapies, and glycemic goals. Combination tablets are commonly taken with food to reduce stomach upset from metformin. Some formulations are immediate-release (often taken twice daily), while extended-release versions of saxagliptin metformin XR are typically taken once daily with an evening meal; the specific schedule depends on the exact product prescribed.

Tablets should be taken exactly as directed on the prescription label. Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole, not split, crushed, or chewed, because that can change drug release. If a dose is missed, directions on the official labeling or pharmacist guidance are typically followed rather than doubling doses. For additional context on metformin’s class effects, review What To Expect With Biguanides, and for general treatment browsing, see Diabetes Medications.

Quick tip: Keeping doses with a consistent meal routine can reduce GI side effects.

Strengths and Forms

Saxagliptin metformin tablets are available in multiple dose combinations so clinicians can match therapy to patient needs and kidney function limits. Common pairings may include saxagliptin/metformin 2.5 mg/1000 mg, saxagliptin metformin 5/500 mg, saxagliptin 2.5 mg metformin 1000 mg, and other combinations such as 2.5 mg/850 mg. Availability can differ by country, manufacturer, and pharmacy supply.

Komboglyze tablets may be labeled by the two active ingredients and their amounts per tablet. Some markets also carry extended-release options (XR), which release metformin more gradually over the day. For browsing similar products in the same broad format, the Combination Tablets category lists other fixed-dose oral combinations.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at controlled room temperature in their original container, protected from moisture and excessive heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from humid areas such as bathrooms. As with other prescription medicines, secure storage helps prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets.

For travel, keep the medication in the original labeled packaging for identification and dosing instructions. A pill organizer may be convenient, but it should not replace the labeled container for longer trips. When flying or driving for extended periods, avoid leaving tablets in hot cars or direct sunlight. If a tablet looks damaged or discolored, a pharmacist can advise whether it should be replaced.

Side Effects and Safety

Side effects can come from either component. Metformin commonly causes gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, or decreased appetite, especially when starting or after dose increases. Saxagliptin can cause upper-respiratory symptoms, headache, or other mild effects in some people. Low blood sugar is less common when used alone, but the risk can rise if combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea.

Komboglyze safety planning usually includes periodic review of kidney function and glycemic control, because these factors influence metformin suitability and overall benefit-risk. Vitamin B12 levels may be monitored during long-term metformin therapy, since deficiency can develop over time. Reported weight change varies across individuals and depends on diet, activity, and other therapies.

Serious risks that need prompt evaluation

Metformin has a rare but serious risk of lactic acidosis (a dangerous buildup of lactic acid), which is more likely in the setting of significant kidney impairment, severe dehydration, heavy alcohol use, or conditions that reduce oxygen delivery. Saxagliptin has been associated with pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in post-marketing reports, and DPP-4 inhibitors can rarely cause severe joint pain or bullous pemphigoid (a blistering skin condition). Some patients using saxagliptin may have an increased risk of heart failure, so symptoms such as new or worsening shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or swelling should be reviewed urgently.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Many interactions relate to metformin handling by the kidneys and saxagliptin metabolism. Certain medicines can raise metformin levels by affecting renal transport, and other drugs can affect blood sugar control, complicating interpretation of glucose readings. Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors may increase saxagliptin exposure, which can require prescriber review of the regimen.

Alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis and can also make blood sugar harder to manage. Iodinated contrast procedures and major surgery may require temporary interruption of metformin-containing products due to kidney-related safety considerations; the timing and restart plan should come from the prescriber or surgical team. Always provide an up-to-date medication list, including over-the-counter products and supplements, to the dispensing pharmacist.

Compare With Alternatives

When comparing options, Komboglyze is one example of a DPP-4 inhibitor plus metformin in a single tablet. Another DPP-4 plus metformin alternative is Janumet XR (sitagliptin/metformin), which uses a different DPP-4 inhibitor. Metformin alone is also commonly used and may be prescribed as a single agent in some regimens; see Metformin for product-format context.

Other combination tablets pair metformin with an SGLT2 inhibitor (a class that increases urinary glucose excretion), such as empagliflozin/metformin, canagliflozin/metformin, or dapagliflozin/metformin. Selection depends on kidney function, cardiovascular or heart-failure history, side-effect tolerance, and clinician judgment. For additional background on multi-drug oral strategies, review Triple Combination Therapy.

Pricing and Access

Out-of-pocket pricing varies by strength, package size, and pharmacy dispensing source. When people search for Komboglyze cost or cash-pay options, the key variables are the specific formulation (immediate- vs extended-release), the prescribed dose combination, and whether other medicines are dispensed at the same time. CanadianInsulin can support cash-pay access by coordinating prescription processing through Canadian-licensed dispensing pharmacies.

Prescriptions may need confirmation with the prescriber before dispensing. For eligible requests, fulfillment may involve Ships from Canada to US depending on the medication and documentation. If a public offers page is available, it is listed here: Promotions. A second review of the Diabetes category can also help identify other non-insulin options discussed with a clinician.

Authoritative Sources

For official prescribing and safety information, consult these sources:

• FDA Drugs@FDA database (search product and labeling)
• MedlinePlus overview for metformin (uses and safety basics)
• MedlinePlus overview for saxagliptin (class effects and cautions)

To proceed with a qualifying prescription request through the site, complete checkout and select prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.