Onglyza is a discontinued brand-name oral tablet. It contained the active ingredient saxagliptin and was used to treat type 2 diabetes. Onglyza was usually taken once per day. But it’s no longer available on the market.
Onglyza was prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to help manage glucose levels. It was part of a treatment plan that included a healthy diet and exercise.
The active ingredient in Onglyza was saxagliptin. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Onglyza belonged to a group of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. This article describes the previously recommended dosages of Onglyza, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Onglyza, see this in-depth article.
As of October 2023, Onglyza has been discontinued. This article was written before the drug was removed from the market. The removal of Onglyza from the market was not due to concerns regarding efficacy or safety. But Onglyza is no longer prescribed by healthcare professionals and isn’t available at pharmacies.
The table below highlights the basics of Onglyza’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Onglyza form | Onglyza strengths | Typical dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| oral tablet | • 2.5 mg • 5 mg | 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily | 5 mg once daily |
Keep reading for more details about Onglyza’s dosage.
What is Onglyza’s form?
Onglyza is available as an oral tablet.
What strengths does Onglyza come in?
Onglyza comes in two strengths: 2.5 mg and 5 mg.
What are the usual dosages of Onglyza?
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
The typical Onglyza dosage for adults with type 2 diabetes is 2.5 mg or 5 mg taken once daily.
Is Onglyza used long term?
Yes, Onglyza is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
In certain cases, your doctor may adjust your dosage of Onglyza. For example, if you have kidney problems or if you’re taking other medications that may interact with Onglyza, your doctor may recommend that you take a lower dose of the drug.
Examples of drugs that interact with Onglyza include:
- certain antifungals, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)
- certain HIV treatments, such as ritonavir (Norvir)
- certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- certain antidepressants, such as nefazodone
If you experience any illness, like an infection or fever, or if you have a trauma or surgery, talk with your doctor. In some cases, they may recommend a change in your Onglyza dosage.
It’s important that you tell your doctor about any other conditions that you have and any medications that you take before you start taking Onglyza. They can then recommend the best dosage of Onglyza for you.
The dosage of Onglyza you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- other medications that you’re taking*
- other conditions you may have*
- whether you’re scheduled to have surgery or have a recent illness, infection, or trauma*
* See “Dosage adjustments” above.
Onglyza is available as an oral tablet. Be sure to swallow Onglyza tablets whole. Do not split, crush, or cut the tablets. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can take your dose of Onglyza with or without food.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Onglyza, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also see the “Expiration” section of this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Onglyza in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Onglyza, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take two doses of Onglyza at once to make up for a missed dose.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Onglyza on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Onglyza than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Onglyza
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Onglyza. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Onglyza’s dosage.
Is Onglyza’s dosage similar to the dosages of metformin?
The forms of Onglyza and metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet) are similar. Both drugs are available as oral tablets. Metformin also comes as an oral liquid solution and as an extended release* tablet.
Onglyza is taken only once daily. Depending on metformin’s form, it may be taken once or twice daily.
The dose in milligrams for each drug also differs. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the best treatment option for you.
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
How long does it take for Onglyza to start working?
Onglyza starts to work right after you take your first dose. But because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. It may take weeks before you notice a change in your blood glucose levels. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Onglyza treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Onglyza for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Onglyza without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Onglyza exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- If Onglyza isn’t working for me, can my dose be increased?
- Can my doctor decrease my dose of medication if I’m having side effects from Onglyza?
- Does my dosage change based on my other medications?
- Do my other medical conditions affect my dosage of Onglyza?
To learn more about Onglyza, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.