Dosage and strength
Saxagliptin comes as 2.5mg or 5mg tablets. The usual dose is 5mg a day.
Your doctor might give you a lower dose of 2.5mg a day if you:
- have problems with your kidneys
- take other diabetes medicines, such as insulin
How to take it
Take saxagliptin once a day.
You can take it at any time – for example, in the morning or in the evening. Just try to take it at the same time every day.
Take your tablet with a drink of water. Swallow the tablet whole, without breaking it.
You can take saxagliptin with or without food.
How long to take it for
Saxagliptin helps keep your blood sugar level as normal as possible to prevent health problems.
You'll probably have to take it for a long time, even for the rest of your life.
Over time it gets harder to control blood sugar levels, so your doctor might eventually recommend stopping saxagliptin and trying a different treatment.
Do not stop taking saxagliptin without speaking to your doctor.
If you forget to take it
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicines.
If you take too much
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
you take more than your prescribed dose of saxagliptin and:
- you have stomach pains
- you are feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- you feel dizzy
- you are worried
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111