The manufacturer has written to healthcare professionals regarding new safety information for saxagliptin (Onglyza®).
The letter advises that saxagliptin has been associated with serious hypersensitivity reactions and acute pancreatitis. The following recommendations have now been made:
- Saxagliptin is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions, anaphylactic shock and angioedema to saxagliptin or any other dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor
- Patients should be advised of the symptoms of acute pancreatitis and rapidly report such symptoms
- Where hypersensitivity reactions or pancreatitis are suspected, saxagliptin should be discontinued
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this new safety information and implement any necessary changes to practice.