Onglyza, the brand name for the generic drug saxagliptin, is a prescription medication indicated to help lower high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This medication is part of a class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, which work by increasing the levels of insulin produced by the pancreas following food consumption. People should discuss Onglyza side effects with a medical professional before beginning treatment with this medication.
Headache
People taking Onglyza can develop recurrent headaches during treatment, explain health professionals with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Headache pain can be uncomfortable and can contribute to difficulty concentrating while a person is at work or school. If frequent headache pain is bothersome, affected people can use an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen, to help alleviate this side effect.
Urinary Tract Infection
In clinical trials for this medication, approximately 7 percent of people taking Onglyza developed a urinary tract infection as a side effect of treatment, report health experts with RxList. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can include frequent, urgent or painful urination that can be accompanied by fever. People who develop urinary tract infection symptoms while taking Onglyza should seek additional care from a medical professional. Subsequent medication may be necessary to resolve urinary tract infection side effects in affected people.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Treatment with Onglyza can increase a person's risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection, explain medical professionals with Drugs.com. Side effects of an upper respiratory tract infection include a runny or congested nose, sneezing, sore throat or cough. Additional medical treatment may be required to resolve upper respiratory tract infection symptoms in people taking Onglyza.
Upset Stomach
Upset stomach side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloating, can occur in certain people taking Onglyza, warn health professionals with MedlinePlus. These unpleasant side effects can contribute to a decreased appetite in certain people. Eating a small snack or meal before taking a dose of Onglyza can help limit the development of an upset stomach in treated people.
Low Blood Sugar
Health professionals with the FDA warn that people taking other diabetes medications in conjunction with Onglyza can be at risk of developing unusually low blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar, a condition called hypoglycemia, can cause side effects such as hunger, headache, mood changes, shaking, increased heartbeat, sweating or vision changes. People who develop low blood sugar symptoms while taking Onglyza should consult a doctor for further guidance.
Member Comments
horacekeb November 14
I developed acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in July 2010 after adding Onglyza to Metformin in May 2010. I am a medical professional and raise caution about the relationship of the DPP4 inhibitors and cancer. If the immune system is compromised, adding a DPP4 may further erode the body's natural ability to fight things such as acute leukemia. In my case, my chances of developing ALL was one in 100,000.