Generic name: dapagliflozin and saxagliptin (DAP a gli FLOE zin and SAX a GLIP tin)
Brand name: Qtern
Drug class: Antidiabetic combinations
Qtern contains a combination of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin. Dapagliflozin and saxagliptin are oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels. Dapagliflozin works by helping the kidneys get rid of glucose from your bloodstream. Saxagliptin works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.
Qtern is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Qtern is also used to lower the risk of death from heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease.
Qtern is not for treating type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Warnings
You should not use Qtern if you have severe kidney disease or if you are on dialysis.
Taking Qtern can make you dehydrated, which could cause you to feel weak or dizzy (especially when you stand up).
Stop taking Qtern and call your doctor at once if you have signs of a pancreatitis, such as severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, with or without vomiting,
Dapagliflozin can cause serious infections in the penis or vagina. Get medical help right away if you have burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genital or rectal area, fever, or if you don't feel well.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Qtern if you have:
- severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
- a history of severe allergic or skin reaction after taking dapagliflozin or saxagliptin.
To make sure Qtern is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- diabetic ketoacidosis;
- liver disease;
- bladder cancer;
- bladder infections or other urination problems;
- problems with your pancreas, including surgery;
- gallstones;
- high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
- alcoholism;
- if you are on a low salt diet; or
- if you are 65 or older.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and your dose needs may be different during each trimester.
You should not use Qtern during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Qtern is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Qtern?
Qtern is usually taken once per day in the morning. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Your kidney function may need to be checked before and during treatment with this medicine.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, if you consume less food or fluid than usual, or if you are sweating more than usual.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may also need to test the level of ketones your urine. Dapagliflozin can cause life-threatening ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood). Even if your blood sugar is normal, contact your doctor if a urine test shows that you have ketones in the urine.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Qtern.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:
Dapagliflozin 10 mg/saxagliptin 5 mg orally once a day in the morning
Comments:
-Volume depletion should be corrected prior to initiation.
-This combination product should only be used in patients who tolerate dapagliflozin 10 mg per day.
Use: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have inadequate control with dapagliflozin or who are already treated with Qtern.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can cause life threatening hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, confusion, tremors, sweating, fast heart rate, trouble speaking, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, and seizure (convulsions).
What to avoid
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Qtern side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Qtern: hives, itching, flaking or peeling skin; trouble swallowing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Seek medical attention right away if you have signs of a genital infection (penis or vagina): burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genital or rectal area, fever, not feeling well. These symptoms may get worse quickly.
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe or ongoing pain in your joints;
- serious skin reaction - itching, blisters, breakdown of the outer layer of skin;
- ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood) - nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or trouble breathing;
- pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
- dehydration symptoms - dizziness, weakness, feeling light-headed (like you might pass out); or
- signs of a bladder infection - pain or burning when you urinate, increased urination, blood in your urine, pain in your pelvis or back.
Some people taking dapagliflozin have had bladder cancer, but it is not clear if this medicine was the actual cause.
Common Qtern side effects may include:
- urination problems;
- abnormal blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides; or
- runny nose, stuffy nose, sinus pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Qtern?
Qtern may not work as well when you use other medicines at the same time. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all medicines you start or stop using.