What is Qtern?
Qtern includes a mix that consists of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin. Dapagliflozin and saxagliptin are both oral diabetes drugs that can help manage blood sugar levels. Dapagliflozin helps the kidneys remove glucose from the bloodstream. Saxagliptin functions by controlling the amount of insulin the body produces after eating.
Qtern can be used in conjunction with exercise and diet to help improve blood sugar control for people suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Qtern can also help reduce the risk of dying due to a heart attack, stroke, or failing heart for adults suffering from Type 2 diabetes who also suffer from heart disease. Qtern is not a treatment for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Warnings
It is not recommended to make use of Qtern when you suffer from serious kidney disease or are currently on dialysis.
The use of Qtern could cause you to become dehydrated, and this could make you feel dizzy or weak (especially when standing up). Stop using Qtern and consult your physician immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms of pancreatitis like extreme stomach pain that extends to your back without vomiting,
Dapagliflozin can trigger serious infections of the vagina or penis. Get medical help immediately if you experience burns, itching, smell, and discharge, redness, tenderness, pain, or swelling in the rectal or genital region, fever, or do not feel well.
Before taking this medication
It is not recommended to use Qtern. If you are suffering from:
- Severely kidney-related disease (or if you're taking dialysis)
- A history of severe allergic or skin reactions following the use of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin.
To be sure Qtern is safe for you, inform your physician if you've previously had:
- Kidney disease;
- Diabetic ketoacidosis;
- Liver disease;
- Bladder cancer;
- Bladder infections and other urination issues;
- Issues with your pancreas that may require surgery
- Gallstones;
- Triglycerides with high levels (a kind of blood fat);
- Alcoholism;
- If you're on an eating plan with a low salt intake
- If you're 65 or over.
Follow your doctor's advice on taking this medication when you are expecting. Blood sugar control is crucial during pregnancy. Your dosage requirements may differ throughout each trimester. It is not recommended to use Qtern in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It is not recommended to breastfeed during the course of this medication. Qtern is not a registered product to be used by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How to take Qtern?
Qtern is typically taken once each day, in the early morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label and review all medication manuals or instructions. The doctor might modify your dosage. The function of your kidneys may require a checkup prior to and during treatment with this medication. Suck the tablet completely and make sure you don't crush, chew, or break it.
You can take this medicine either with or without food. Consult your doctor if you have a stomach ache or diarrhea, if you eat less fluid or food than you normally do, or if you're sweating more than normal. Your blood sugar level will have to be monitored regularly. Also, you may be required to check the level of ketones in your urine. Dapagliflozin could cause ketoacidosis, which is life-threatening (too high levels of acid in the blood). Even if your blood sugar levels are normal, consult your physician when a urine test indicates ketones are present in your urine.
There is a possibility that you may experience insufficient levels of blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel extremely hungry, dizzy, angry, and anxious. You may also feel confused, anxious, or even shaky. To treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink rapid-acting sources of sugar (fruit juice crackers, hard candy raisins, and other non-diet beverages). Your physician may recommend the glucagon injection kit in the event that you suffer from severe hypoglycemia. Make sure your family or friends are aware of how to administer the injection in an emergency.
Be aware of indications of excessive glucose levels (hyperglycemia), like more thirst or frequent urination. The levels of blood sugar can fluctuate due to stress, illnesses, stress or surgery, alcohol, stress, or skipping meals. Consult your physician prior to altering your dosage of medication schedule.
This medication can alter the results of some medical tests. Inform any physician who treats your condition that you're using Qtern. Place it in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:
Dapagliflozin 10 mg and saxagliptin 10 mg are taken orally every day in the early morning.
Comments:
Depletion of volume should be corrected prior to the initiation of treatment.
The combination product should be administered to patients who are able to tolerate dapagliflozin at 10 mg per day.
Use: as an addition to exercise and diet to help improve the control of glycemic levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus who suffer from inadequate control of dapagliflozin or who are currently being treated with Qtern.
What happens if I miss a dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention immediately or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 for help. Poisoning can lead to dangerous hypoglycemia.
Signs of severe hypoglycemia may include extreme weakness as well as tremors, confusion, sweating, rapid heart rate, difficulty speaking, nausea, vomiting, fast breathing, fainting, and seizures (convulsions).
Avoid this
Be careful not to get up too fast from a lying or seated position. You could be dizzy.
Side effects of Qtern
Get immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate you are experiencing an allergic reaction, Qtern: hives and flaking, itching, or peeling skin; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
You should seek medical attention as soon as you begin to notice the symptoms of a genital illness (penis or vagina): burning, itching, discharge, odor, pain, tenderness, swelling, or redness in the rectal or genital region, and fever, as well as a feeling that you are not well. These symptoms can worsen rapidly.
Stop taking this medication and contact your doctor right away. If you suffer from:
- Persistent or severe joint pain that is persistent or constant;
- Grave skin irritation itching, blisters breaking the skin's outer layer,
- Ketoacidosis (too much acidity in the blood): nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, disorientation, unusual drowsiness, or difficulty breathing;
- Pancreatitis: a severe pain in your upper stomach spreading into the back of your body, nausea, and vomiting fast heart rate
- Symptoms of dehydration: weakness, dizziness, and feeling lightheaded (like you're about to pass out); or
- Indications of a bladder infection pain or burning whenever you go to the bathroom; more urine output; blood in your urine, bladder, or lower back.
Certain people who take dapagliflozin have been diagnosed with bladder cancer. However, it's not known whether this medication was the reason behind the cancer.
Common Qtern side effects can be:
- Problems with urination;
- Elevated blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides, or
- Running nose, nasal stuffiness, sinus discomfort
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Qtern might not function in the same way if you take other medications at the same time. This applies to prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Not all interactions are mentioned in this article. Inform your physician about the medicines you take or stop taking.
