What is Qtern?
Qtern (dapagliflozin and saxagliptin) is used in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar levels helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, problems neurological, limb loss, and sexual function problems. Proper diabetes management can also reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Dapagliflozin works by increasing the elimination of sugar by the kidneys. Saxagliptin works by increasing the levels of certain natural substances known as incretins. Incretins increase insulin release, which helps control blood sugar, especially after a meal. They also reduce the amount of sugar the liver makes.
How does it work?
Qtern is a combination of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin, which have mechanisms of action Complementary to improve glycemic control. Saxagliptin, through selective inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), increases glucose-mediated insulin secretion (effect incretin). Dapagliflozin, a selective sodium and glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2), inhibits renal glucose reabsorption independently of insulin. The action of both Medications is regulated by plasma glucose levels.
Mechanism of action of saxagliptin
Saxagliptin is a very potent, selective, reversible, and competitive inhibitor (Ki: 1.3 nM) of the DPP-4, an enzyme responsible for the catabolism of increasing hormones. This results in increased glucose-dependent insulin secretion, thus reducing concentrations of fasting and postprandial blood glucose.
Mechanism of Action of Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin is a very potent, selective, and reversible (Ki: 0.55 nM) inhibitor of cotransporter 2 sodium and glucose (SGLT2). Dapagliflozin blocks the reabsorption of filtered glucose from the S1 segment of the renal tubule, effectively reducing blood glucose dependently fifteen glucose and insulin-independent. Dapagliflozin improves plasma glucose levels both fasting and postprandial, reducing renal reabsorption of glucose, which leads to glucose excretion in urine. Increased urinary glucose excretion with inhibition of SGLT2 transporter produces an osmotic diuresis and may result in a reduction in pressure systolic artery.
What are the benefits of taking it?
Qtern is a fixed-dose combination of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin, Qtern tablets uses include being indicated in adults 18 years of age or older with type 2 diabetes mellitus:
- to improve glycemic control when metformin and / or a sulfonylurea (SU) and one of the active ingredients of Qtern, do not achieve adequate glycemic control.
- when they are already being treated with the separate combination of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin.
How do I use it and its dosage?
Qtern tablets dosage
The recommended dose is one saxagliptin 5 mg/dapagliflozin 10 mg tablet once a day.
Special populations
Renal insufficiency
Qtern can be used in patients with mild kidney failure.
Qtern should not be started in patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 ml/min and should discontinue GFR persistently below 45 ml/min. It should also not be used in patients with end-stage renal disease (ERT).
Liver failure
This medicine can be used in patients with mild or moderate liver failure. The patients with moderate hepatic impairment should be evaluated before the start of treatment and during it. Its use is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Advanced age
There is no restriction based only on age. However, kidney function must be taken into account, and the risk of volume depletion in elderly patients (> 65 years). Due to the limited therapeutic experience in patients aged 75 years or older, it is not recommended to start the Qtern treatment in this population.
Qtern is taken orally once daily. It can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole. If a dose is missed and> 12 hours have to pass until the next dose, that dose should be taken. If you miss a dose and it takes <12 hours until the next dose, skip the dose forgotten and take the next dose at the time that usually corresponds to you.
Side effects & precautions
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although it does not all people suffer from them. Some symptoms may require immediate medical attention:
Stop taking Qtern and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of these effects. Qtern tablets side effects include the following:
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, observed rarely, (may affect up to 1 of every 1,000 people), which may include:
- Acne
- Raised red welts on the skin (hives)
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Your doctor may prescribe a medicine to treat your allergic reaction and medicine differently for your diabetes.
Pancreatitis, occurs infrequently (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- pain
- intense and persistent in the abdomen (stomach area) that can reach the back as well
- such as nausea and vomiting that could be a sign of having an inflamed pancreas.
Dehydration (excessive loss of body fluids) occurs infrequently (It can affect up to 1 in 100 people).
These are the signs of dehydration:
- Very dry or sticky mouth, feeling of intense thirst
- An intense feeling of drowsiness or tiredness
- Little or no urination (urine)
- Fast heartbeat.
- Urinary tract infection occurs frequently (can affect up to 1 in every 10 people).
Here are the signs of a serious urinary tract infection:
- Fever and/or chills
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Back or side pain.
Although rare, if you notice blood in your urine, tell your doctor immediately.
Buying Qtern online.
You can buy Qtern tablets online through one of the UK’s leading online pharmacies, Pharmacy Planet. It's easy and convenient. You will need to fill out a short assessment and the item will be delivered directly to your door. If you want to buy this diabetes medication online, use Pharmacy Planet, a UK pharmacy you can trust.