Saxagliptin and metformin
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From MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Boxed warning
WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS • Post-marketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (> 5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally > 5 mcg/mL [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
• Risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure ), excessive alcohol intake, hepatic impairment, and mitochondrial diseases [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
• Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the full prescribing information [ see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Drug Interactions (7) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.6 , 8.7) ]. • If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
• Post-marketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Symptoms included malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Laboratory abnormalities included elevated blood lactate levels, anion gap acidosis, increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally > 5 mcg/mL. ( 5.1 ) • Risk factors include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs, age > 65 years old, radiological studies with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states, excessive alcohol intake, hepatic impairment, and mitochondrial diseases.
Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the Full Prescribing…
Dosing in kidney impairment
Recommendations for Dosage and Administration in Renal Impairment Assess renal function prior to initiation of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets and then as clinically indicated [ see Use in Specific Populations ]. The recommended dosage of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than or equal to 45 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 is the same as the recommended dosage in patients with normal renal function [ see Dosage and Administration ].
In patients taking saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets whose eGFR later falls below 45 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 , assess the benefit risk of continuing therapy and limit dose of the saxagliptin component to 2.5 mg once daily. Initiation of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets in patients with an eGFR between 30 – 45 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 is not recommended.
Saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with an eGFR below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 . Discontinue saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets if the patient’s eGFR later falls below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 [ see Contraindications and Warnings and Precautions ].
Dosing in liver impairment
Hepatic Impairment Use of metformin in patients with hepatic impairment has been associated with some cases of lactic acidosis. Saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment [ see Warnings and Precautions ].
Preparation and administration
Recommended Dosage and Administration Individualize the starting dosage of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets based on the patient’s current regimen and the available strengths of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets [ see Dosage Forms and Strengths ]. Administer saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets once daily with the evening meal, with gradual dose titration to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects associated with metformin HCl [ see Adverse Reactions ].
The recommended starting dosage of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets in patients who need 5 mg of saxagliptin and who are not currently treated with metformin HCl is one saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablet containing 5 mg saxagliptin and 500 mg metformin HCl extended-release once daily with gradual dose escalation to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects due to metformin HCl.
In patients treated with metformin HCl, the recommended starting dosage of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets should provide metformin HCl at the dose already being taken, or the nearest therapeutically appropriate dose. Following a switch from metformin HCl immediate-release to saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, closely monitor glycemic control and adjust the dosage accordingly.
Patients who need 2.5 mg saxagliptin in combination with metformin HCl extended-release may be treated with saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets 2.5 mg/1,000 mg. Patients who need 2.5 mg saxagliptin who are either metformin HCl naive or who require a dose of metformin HCl higher than 1,000 mg should use the individual components.
Gradually titrate the dosage of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, as needed, after assessing therapeutic response and tolerability, up to a maximum recommended dosage of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets (5 mg for saxagliptin and 2,000 mg for metformin HCl extended-release orally once daily).
Inform patients that saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole and never crushed, cut, or chewed. Occasionally, the inactive ingredients of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets will be eliminated in the feces as a soft, hydrated mass that may resemble the original tablet.
If a dose is missed, advise patients not to take an extra dose. Resume treatment with the next dose.
Drug interactions
Check saxagliptin and metformin against a medication listLabel text (9 paragraphs)
Drug Interactions The concomitant use of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets with specific drugs may increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis: those that impair renal function, result in significant hemodynamic change, interfere with acid-base balance or increase metformin accumulation [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Therefore, consider more frequent monitoring of patients. 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): Coadministration with saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets significantly increases saxagliptin concentrations.
Limit saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets dosage to 2.5 mg/1,000 mg once daily when coadministered with a strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitor. ( 2.3 , 7.1 ) • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: May increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring. ( 7.2 ) • Drugs that reduce metformin clearance : May increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider benefits and risks of concomitant use. ( 7.3 ) • See full prescribing information for additional drug interactions. ( 7 )
7.1 Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A4/5 Enzymes Ketoconazole significantly increased saxagliptin exposure. Similar significant increases in plasma concentrations of saxagliptin are anticipated with other strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and telithromycin). The dose of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets should be limited to 2.5 mg of saxagliptin when coadministered with a strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitor [ see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
7.2 Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Topiramate or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide) frequently causes a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Concomitant use of these drugs with saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets may increase the risk for lactic acidosis.
7.3 Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2]/multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use.
7.4 Alcohol Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets.
7.5 Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues Insulin and insulin secretagogues are known to cause hypoglycemia. Concomitant use of saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets with insulin or an insulin secretagogue may require lower dosages of insulin or the insulin secretagogue to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ].
7.6 Drugs Affecting Glycemic Control Certain drugs tend to produce hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of glycemic control. These medications include the thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blocking drugs, and isoniazid. When such drugs are administered to a patient receiving saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, observe the patient closely for loss of blood glucose control.
When such drugs are withdrawn from a patient receiving saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, observe the patient closely for hypoglycemia.
Contraindications
Saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with: • Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). • Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with insulin. • A history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to saxagliptin, metformin HCl, or any of the ingredients in saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, or exfoliative skin conditions have been reported [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. • Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ).
( 4 ) • Metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis. ( 4 ) • History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, exfoliative skin conditions) to saxagliptin, metformin HCl, or any of the ingredients in saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. ( 4 )
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited available data with saxagliptin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets or saxagliptin in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. Published trials with metformin use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defect or miscarriage risk [ see Data ]. No adverse developmental effects independent of maternal toxicity were observed when saxagliptin and metformin were administered separately or in combination to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis [ see Data ].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with an HbA1c greater than 7 and has been reported to be as high as 20 to 25% in women with an HbA1c greater than 10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, still birth and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity. Data Animal Data Saxagliptin In embryo-fetal development studies, saxagliptin was administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis, corresponding to the first trimester of human pregnancy.
No adverse developmental effects were observed in either species at exposures 1503- and 152-times the 5 mg clinical dose in rats and rabbits, respectively, based on AUC. Saxagliptin crosses the placenta into the fetus following dosing in pregnant rats. In a prenatal and postnatal development study, no adverse developmental effects were observed in maternal rats administered saxagliptin from gestation day 6 through lactation day 21 at exposures up to 470-times the 5 mg clinical dose, based on AUC. Metformin HCl Metformin HCl did not cause adverse developmental effect when administered to pregnant Sprague Dawley rats and rabbits up to 600 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis.
This represents an exposure of about 2- and 6-times a 2,000 mg clinical dose based on body surface area (mg/m 2 ) for rats and rabbits, respectively. Saxagliptin and…
For breastfeeding, also see LactMed (National Library of Medicine), which summarizes milk levels and infant effects.
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