Saxagliptin Tablet Side Effects in Pakistan

A complete guide to the side effects of Saxagliptin Tablet. Know what to expect, what is serious, and when to contact your doctor.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-07-09

Side Effects

Quick Answer

Common side effects of Saxagliptin Tablet include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and urinary tract infections. Serious effects include acute pancreatitis and, in some patients with existing heart disease, increased risk of heart failure. Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can occur when combined with insulin or sulphonylureas. Contact your doctor if any side effect is severe or persistent.

Side Effects at a Glance

Common

Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) — cold-like symptoms
Headache
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Peripheral oedema (fluid retention in the legs) when used with a TZD

Serious — See a Doctor

Acute pancreatitis — severe persistent abdominal pain, possibly with vomiting; stop and seek emergency care
Hypoglycaemia — when combined with insulin or a sulphonylurea; treat immediately with glucose
Heart failure — risk increased in patients with existing cardiovascular disease; seek medical attention if breathlessness or leg swelling develops
Hypersensitivity reactions — rash, urticaria, angioedema; stop and seek medical attention

When to See a Doctor Immediately

If you develop severe or persistent abdominal or back pain (possible pancreatitis)
If you experience breathlessness, rapid weight gain, or leg swelling (possible heart failure)
If you develop signs of low blood sugar — sweating, trembling, confusion, rapid heartbeat
If you develop an allergic reaction — skin rash, swelling of the face or throat

Saxagliptin Tablet Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Saxagliptin Tablet (Saxagliptin 5mg) is generally well tolerated in most patients with type 2 diabetes. However, like all medicines, it can cause side effects — some of which require immediate medical attention.

Common Side Effects (Aam Nuksanat)

Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) — cold-like symptoms (most common)
Headache
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Peripheral oedema (fluid retention in legs) when used with thiazolidinediones (TZDs)

These are usually mild and manageable. Inform your doctor if they persist or are bothersome.

Serious Side Effects (Sanjeedah Nuksanat)

Acute pancreatitis — severe persistent abdominal or back pain, possibly with vomiting. Stop and seek emergency care immediately.
Hypoglycaemia — low blood sugar (sweating, trembling, confusion, rapid heartbeat) when combined with insulin or a sulphonylurea. Treat with glucose immediately and contact your doctor.
Heart failure — increased risk in patients with existing cardiovascular disease. Seek medical attention if breathlessness, rapid weight gain, or leg swelling develops.
Hypersensitivity reactions — rash, urticaria (hives), angioedema (facial/throat swelling). Stop and seek emergency care.

When to See a Doctor (Kab Doctor Se Milna Zaroori Hai)

Severe or persistent abdominal or back pain (possible pancreatitis)
Breathlessness, rapid weight gain, or leg swelling (possible heart failure)
Signs of hypoglycaemia — sweating, trembling, confusion, rapid heartbeat
Allergic reaction — skin rash, swelling of face or throat

Warnings for Specific Groups (Khaas log)

Patients with heart disease: saxagliptin may increase hospitalisation risk for heart failure — discuss with your cardiologist or diabetes doctor
Patients on insulin or sulphonylureas: dose adjustment of those medicines may be required to prevent hypoglycaemia
Patients with kidney disease: monitor renal function; dose adjustment may be required for severe kidney impairment

Side Effects Summary Table

Type	Side Effect	Action
Common	URTI / headache / UTI	Monitor; inform doctor if persistent
Common	Leg oedema (with TZD)	Inform doctor
Serious	Acute pancreatitis	Stop; seek emergency care
Serious	Hypoglycaemia (with insulin/SU)	Treat with glucose; contact doctor
Serious	Heart failure	Seek medical attention
Serious	Hypersensitivity	Stop; seek emergency care

Reporting Side Effects

Report any unexpected side effect on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal: https://www.dra.gov.pk/pharmacovigilance

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. If you notice any side effect, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common side effects of Saxagliptin Tablet?

The most common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections (cold-like symptoms), headache, and urinary tract infections. These are generally mild. Inform your doctor if they are persistent or bothersome.

Can Saxagliptin cause pancreatitis?

Yes. Acute pancreatitis has been reported with DPP-4 inhibitors including saxagliptin. If you develop severe, persistent abdominal pain — especially with vomiting — stop the medicine and seek emergency medical care immediately.

Does Saxagliptin cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)?

Saxagliptin alone has a low risk of causing hypoglycaemia because it works in a glucose-dependent manner. However, hypoglycaemia can occur when saxagliptin is used with insulin or sulphonylurea medicines. Your doctor may reduce the dose of these medicines when adding saxagliptin.

Can Saxagliptin cause heart problems?

Clinical trials found a small increase in risk of hospitalisation for heart failure with saxagliptin in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Inform your doctor if you have heart disease before starting saxagliptin. Seek medical attention if you develop breathlessness, sudden weight gain, or leg swelling.

What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to Saxagliptin?

Stop taking saxagliptin immediately and seek medical attention if you develop rash, urticaria, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing. These are signs of a serious allergic reaction (hypersensitivity).

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Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.