Komboglyze® (saxagliptin/metformin) Oral Tablets for Type 2 Diabetes

What Komboglyze® Is and How It Works

Komboglyze® combines two diabetes medicines, saxagliptin (a DPP‑4 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide), for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps improve blood sugar control alongside diet and exercise. Tablets are typically taken with meals, with strengths that include 2.5/500 mg, 2.5/850 mg, and 2.5/1000 mg. Many visitors compare options for komboglyze 2.5 1000 without insurance when planning refills and supply sizes.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

Saxagliptin blocks the DPP‑4 enzyme, which increases active incretin hormones (GLP‑1 and GIP). This supports glucose‑dependent insulin release and lowers glucagon after meals. Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity. Together, these actions lower fasting and post‑meal glucose and can reduce A1C by about 0.7–1.4%, depending on baseline control and dose. This medicine is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Extended‑release versions exist in some markets, but the immediate‑release tablets are designed for dosing with meals, often twice daily. For background reading on each class, see Can Expect Taking Dpp 4 Inhibitors and Can Expect Taking Biguanides Drugs. For an overview specific to this brand, visit Komboglyze Uses Side Effects Dosage. Explore related products and learning in Type 2 Diabetes.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical use: oral tablets taken with meals; immediate‑release is often dosed twice daily.
• Selection of strength is based on the current metformin dose and glycemic goals; saxagliptin is commonly 2.5 mg or 5 mg daily across regimens.
• When switching from separate tablets, match the metformin dose and add the appropriate saxagliptin strength as directed by the prescriber.
• Renal function guides dosing; use is generally avoided if eGFR is below 30 mL/min/1.73 m².
• Temporary interruption may be needed for iodinated contrast imaging or acute illness that increases dehydration or hypoxia risk.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew. Extended‑release tablets, if prescribed, must not be split, crushed, or chewed.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless it is near the time of the next dose. Do not double doses.
• Monitor blood glucose regularly and follow the treatment plan set by the healthcare provider.

• Storage: keep in original packaging at 15–30°C (59–86°F), away from moisture and excessive heat.
• Avoid bathroom storage. Protect tablets from light and humidity; keep desiccant in the bottle if present.
• Travel: carry medication in a hand‑luggage organizer. Keep in the original labeled container for security checks.
• Avoid leaving medication in a parked car or direct sun. Maintain dry conditions during travel.
• Set reminders for dosing while crossing time zones to maintain consistent spacing between doses.

Benefits and Savings

This combination targets complementary pathways, improving both fasting and post‑meal glucose. It is generally weight‑neutral and has a low risk of hypoglycemia when used without insulin or sulfonylureas. Taking two agents in one tablet can simplify a regimen and reduce separate copayments or checkout steps.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices through CanadianInsulin, which partners with licensed and vetted pharmacies to supply authentic brand medications. This can help those comparing komboglyze 2.5 mg 1000 mg without insurance or planning multi‑month fills for convenience.

See our promotions page for current offers, including any komboglyze promo if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, gas, and abdominal discomfort (often improve over 1–2 weeks).
• Headache, dizziness, fatigue.
• Nasopharyngitis or upper respiratory tract infection.
• Vitamin B12 levels may fall with long‑term metformin use.
• Hypoglycemia risk increases when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Serious or rare risks include lactic acidosis (metformin; higher risk with severe renal impairment or hypoxia), pancreatitis, severe arthralgia, bullous pemphigoid, allergic or anaphylactic reactions, and possible increased risk of heart failure with saxagliptin in susceptible patients. Do not use in type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or with eGFR below thresholds set in the product labeling. Limit excessive alcohol intake, and discuss hepatic impairment, contrast procedures, and acute illness plans with a clinician.

Onset Time

Blood glucose may begin to improve within several days as metformin and saxagliptin reach steady levels. Gastrointestinal effects often settle within 1–2 weeks as the body adapts.

A1C reflects average control over ~3 months. Expect the main reduction to emerge over 8–12 weeks after stabilization of dose and routine. Weight effects are usually neutral.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients consider a GLP‑1 pathway medicine instead of, or in addition to, oral combinations. Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide) is taken once daily and can lower A1C and weight more than many oral options, but requires fasting dosing steps and careful titration to limit gastrointestinal effects.

Trulicity® (dulaglutide) is a weekly injection with robust A1C lowering and meaningful weight loss in trials. It offers simple once‑weekly dosing but involves needles and potential gastrointestinal effects.

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a weekly GIP/GLP‑1 injectable with strong A1C and weight outcomes. It may suit those needing larger reductions, with titration to balance efficacy and tolerability. Choice among these depends on goals, route preference, comorbidities, and cost. Explore additional therapies within Type 2 Diabetes.

Combination Therapy

• With SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin, dapagliflozin) for complementary fasting and post‑meal control and potential cardio‑renal benefits.
• With basal insulin for additional fasting glucose control; background insulin or sulfonylurea doses may need reduction to lower hypoglycemia risk.
• With antihypertensives and statins as part of comprehensive cardiometabolic care, as directed by the care team.
• Combining a DPP‑4 inhibitor with a GLP‑1 receptor agonist is generally not recommended.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

This medicine may be considered for adults with type 2 diabetes who are inadequately controlled on metformin alone, or who wish to simplify separate saxagliptin and metformin tablets. It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR below labeled thresholds) or metabolic acidosis. Use caution in those with heart failure, history of pancreatitis, significant hepatic impairment, dehydration risk, or heavy alcohol use. Periodic renal assessment and B12 monitoring may be appropriate during long‑term therapy. Pause metformin around iodinated contrast studies when advised.

Ways to manage costs include selecting a multi‑month supply when appropriate, choosing strengths that align with the intended regimen to avoid tablet splitting, and timing reorders ahead of planned travel. Check the promotions page periodically for new offers. For more clinical context, see Komboglyze Uses Side Effects Dosage.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada Drug Product Database (search for saxagliptin/metformin or KOMBOGLYZE)

KOMBIGLYZE XR (U.S.) Prescribing Information

AstraZeneca Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism Medicines

Order Komboglyze® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Always follow the guidance of the prescribing clinician and the official product labeling.