medicine.? However, for some peo- option that can be used either alone or along with several commonly prescribed anti-diabetic medicines such as metformin, the sulfonylurea glyburide, or a thiazolidine such as pioglitazoneor rosiglitazone. The FDArecently approved ONGLYZA”(saxagliptin), a oncedaily prescription medicine that, along with diet and exercise, can be used to help treat type 2 diabetes in adults. ONGLYZA has not been studied with insulin. ONGLYZA should not be used to treat people with type 1 diabetes or to treat diabetic ketoacidosis, which is dangerously high levels of certain acids, Now, there’s a new treatment “For those adult patients with type 2 diabetes who remain uncon- (NAPSA)—Despite current treatment, nearly half of the 21.2 million American adults living with type 2 diabetes struggle to get their blood sugar under control.’ Type 2 diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from properly using insulin, a hormone that helps convert sugar, starches and other nutrients into energy.’ Because it is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle, most physicians recommendincorporating a healthy, balanced diet as well as exercise into your daily routine before the addition of prescribed ple with type 2 diabetes, diet, exercise and their current prescription treatment may not be enough. known as ketones, in the blood or urine. trolled on their current treatment, physicians may suggest adding a second oral anti-diabetic medicine, such as ONGLYZA, to help improvetheir blood sugar control. However, individual results may vary,” said Dr. Robert Henry, Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of California San Diego. ONGLYZA enhances the body’s natural ability to control blood sugar. It works by affecting the action of natural hormones in the body called incretins. These hormones decrease blood sugar by increasing the body’s use of sugar, mainly through increasing the production of insulin in the pancreas, and by reducing theliver’s production of sugar. Important Safety Information about ONGLYZA When ONGLYZAis used with certain other diabetes medicines to treat high blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may occur. Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructionsfor treating low blood sugar. If patients have allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, such as rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, and throat, they should stop taking ONGLYZAandcall their healthcare provider right away. When ONGLYZAis used with a thiazolidinedione, such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, to treat high blood sugar, peripheral edema (fluid retention) may become worse. If patients have symptoms of peripheral edema, such as swelling of hands, feet, or ankles, they should call their healthcare provider. The most commonside effects with ONGLYZA include upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and headache. The healthcare provider should test patients’ blood to measure how well their kidneys work. Patients may need a lower dose of ONGLYZAif their kidneys are not working well. Patients shouldtell their healthcare providerif they start or stop taking other medications, including antibiotics, antifungals or HIV/AIDS medications, as their healthcare provider may need to change the dose of ONGLYZA. Patients should tell their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or breast-feeding, or plan to become pregnantor breast-feed. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider for more information about ONGLYZAand type 2 diabetes. The full Prescribing Information about ONGLYZA, including Patient Information, is available at www.ONGLYZA.com or bycalling 1-800-ONGLYZA. Please see accompanying US Full Prescribing http://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_onglyza.pdf. Information at the following link: (C) 2009 Bristol-Myers Squibb ONGLYZAis a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb ! Ong et al. Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Diagnosed Diabetes in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. Ann. Epidemiol. 2008; 18:222-229. ? American Diabetes Association. All about Diabetes. http:/ /www.diabetes.org /diabetes-basics /type-2 / ; accessed December 17, 2009 3 National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Diabetes Overview. http:/ /diabetes.niddk.nih.gov / dm /pubs / overview /index.htm#types; Type 2 Diabetes section; accessed December 17, 2009
