Saxagliptin: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Saxagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the Oral diabetes medicine (extra) group. More tablets that control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by different routes.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Oral diabetes medicine (extra)
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

Type 2 diabetes, alone with diet and exercise
With metformin
With other diabetes medicines

Common brand names

India: Onglyza
Worldwide: Onglyza

Common side effects

Cold-like symptoms
Urinary infections
Headache
Low sugar when used with sulfonylureas or insulin

Before taking it — precautions

Tell your doctor about heart failure or heart-failure risk
Kidney disease may change the dose; some antifungal and antibiotic medicines raise its levels
Tell your doctor if you have had pancreatitis

When to see a doctor urgently

Severe, persistent belly pain spreading to the back, with vomiting (urgent)
Breathlessness, ankle swelling or rapid weight gain (urgent)
Swelling of face or throat, or large skin blisters (urgent)

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of saxagliptin depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

Why does heart failure matter?

A large study found more hospital admissions for heart failure with saxagliptin, so doctors use it carefully in at-risk people.

How is it different from linagliptin?

Unlike linagliptin, saxagliptin is cleared partly through the kidneys, so its dose may need changing in kidney disease.

Does it cause low sugar?

Rarely on its own; the risk rises with sulfonylureas or insulin.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.