Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Komboglyze.
Alcohol intake: Alcohol may increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis for people who take metformin. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol if you are taking this medication.
Blood sugar control: If you develop or have fever, trauma, infection, or surgery, a temporary loss of blood sugar control may occur. If this happens, your doctor may think it is necessary to stop Komboglyze and temporarily inject insulin. This medication may be started again after the problem is resolved. Talk to your doctor if you have fever, infection, or are about to undergo surgery.
Blood sugar monitoring: Monitor your blood sugar regularly at intervals as discussed with your doctor or diabetes educator.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): The safety of taking saxagliptin when you have congestive heart failure (CHF) has not been studied. When metformin is used by people with CHF, there is an increased risk of developing lactic acidosis. If you have CHF, discuss with your doctor how Komboglyze may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Komboglyze, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diet: Saxagliptin-metformin is a treatment to be taken in combination with a proper diet. It is not a substitute for proper diet.
Immune system: If you have a weakened immune system (e.g., you have had an organ transplant or have HIV), discuss with your doctor how Komboglyze may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Komboglyze, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Komboglyze to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Komboglyze may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Komboglyze, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lactic acidosis: Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious problem that occurs when metformin builds up in the body (i.e., the body doesn't get rid of it fast enough) during treatment. If you have severe kidney disease you are at higher risk of developing lactic acidosis. Since alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, do not drink a lot of alcohol over the short- or long-term while taking Komboglyze. When it does occur (very rarely), it is fatal in 50% of cases.. If you experience symptoms of lactic acidosis (e.g., weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, feeling cold, dizziness, light-headedness, or slow or irregular heartbeat), stop taking Komboglyze and get immediate medical attention.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Komboglyze to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Komboglyze may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Komboglyze, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Komboglyze.
Pancreatitis: Saxagliptin-metformin can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. People with a history of pancreatitis, gallstones, Alcoholism, or high triglycerides, may be more at risk of experiencing this. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Komboglyze may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Komboglyze, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Report signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen to your doctor immediately.
Vitamin B12 levels: Metformin may decrease vitamin B12 levels. Your doctor will monitor your B12 levels with blood tests while you are taking Komboglyze.
Pregnancy: Komboglyze should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Komboglyze, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if saxagliptin or metformin pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Komboglyze, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Komboglyze have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors are more likely to have reduced kidney function and as a result may experience more side effects from Komboglyze.
