Qtern

— THERAPEUTIC CATEGORIES —
  • Diabetes

Qtern Generic Name & Formulations

General Description

Dapagliflozin, saxagliptin; 5mg/5mg, 10mg/5mg; tabs.

Pharmacological Class

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor + dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor.

How Supplied

Tabs—30, 90, 500

Generic Availability

NO

Mechanism of Action

Dapagliflozin is a SGLT2 inhibitor that is responsible for the majority of the reabsorption of filtered glucose from the tubular lumen. It reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose and lowers the renal threshold for glucose, and thereby increases urinary glucose excretion. Saxagliptin is a competitive DPP-4 inhibitor that slows the inactivation of the incretin hormones, thereby increasing their bloodstream concentrations and reducing fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in a glucose-dependent manner in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Qtern Indications

Indications

Adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Limitations of Use

Not for improving glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Qtern Dosage and Administration

Adult

Swallow whole. Take in the AM. Not currently treated with dapagliflozin: initially 5mg/5mg once daily; if tolerated and need additional glycemic control, may increase to 10mg/5mg once daily.

Children

<18yrs: not established.

Qtern Contraindications

Contraindications

Moderate to severe renal impairment (eGFR <45mL/min/1.73m2), ESRD, or on dialysis.

Qtern Boxed Warnings

Not Applicable

Qtern Warnings/Precautions

Warnings/Precautions

Increased risk for volume depletion or hypotension in those with renal impairment (eGFR <60mL/min/1.73m2), elderly, or on loop diuretics. Assess volume status, renal function before and after initiating therapy. Correct volume depletion before initiating. Assess for ketoacidosis in presence of signs/symptoms of metabolic acidosis, regardless of blood glucose levels; discontinue if suspected, evaluate and treat if confirmed. Monitor for resolution of ketoacidosis before restarting. Withhold (at least 3 days), if possible, prior to major surgery or procedures associated with prolonged fasting. Consider risks/benefits in patients with known risk factors for heart failure; monitor for signs/symptoms; evaluate and consider discontinuing if develops. Monitor for pancreatitis, serious hypersensitivity reactions, severe joint pain, or bullous pemphigoid; discontinue if suspected or occurs. Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene); discontinue and treat immediately if suspected; use alternative antidiabetic. Increased risk of genital mycotic infections or UTIs; treat as appropriate. History of angioedema to other DPP-4 inhibitors. Severe hepatic impairment. Elderly. Pregnancy (avoid during 2nd & 3rd trimesters). Nursing mothers: not recommended.

Qtern Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Time to maximum plasma concentration: within 2 hours (dapagliflozin); 2 hours (saxagliptin). Absolute oral bioavailability: 78% (dapagliflozin).

Distribution

Plasma protein bound: ~91% (dapagliflozin); negligible (saxagliptin). 

Metabolism

Dapagliflozin: UGT1A9. Saxagliptin: CYP3A4/5.

Elimination

Dapagliflozin: renal (75%), fecal (21%). Saxagliptin: renal (75%), fecal (22%). Half-life: ~12.9 hours (dapagliflozin); 2.5 hours (saxagliptin).

Qtern Interactions

Interactions

Concomitant strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin): not recommended. May need a lower dose of concomitant insulin or insulin secretagogue (eg, sulfonylurea) to reduce risk of hypoglycemia. Greater potential for volume depletion with concomitant diuretics. May cause false (+) urine glucose tests or unreliable measurements of 1,5-AG assay; use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control.

Qtern Adverse Reactions

Adverse Reactions

Upper RTI, UTI, dyslipidemia, headache, diarrhea, back pain, arthralgia; genital mycotic infections (esp. females), hypersensitivity reactions, pancreatitis, heart failure, hypotension, ketoacidosis, acute kidney injury, urosepsis, pyelonephritis, bladder cancer, possible severe and disabling arthralgia, bullous pemphigoid; rare: Fournier's gangrene.

Qtern Clinical Trials

See Literature

Qtern Note

Not Applicable

Qtern Patient Counseling

See Literature