Key facts about Qtern
What is Qtern?
Qtern is the brand name for dapagliflozin and saxagliptin and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Qtern available in?
Qtern is available as an oral tablet that contains 5 mg dapagliflozin/5 mg saxagliptin or 10 mg dapagliflozin/5 mg saxagliptin.
What is Qtern used for?
Qtern is a SGLT2 inhibitor / DPP-4 inhibitor that is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
How does Qtern work?
Qtern is a combination of two medications.
- Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It works in the kidneys to prevent the absorption of sugar back into your body. It lowers blood sugar by causing your body to get rid of excess sugar through your urine
- Saxagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It works by blocking DPP-4, a protein that breaks down certain hormones that normally tell your body to make more insulin and produce less sugar. In doing so, saxagliptin helps lower your blood sugar levels
How do I take Qtern?
The typical starting dose of Qtern is 5 mg/5 mg (dapagliflozin / saxagliptin) by mouth once daily in the morning. The maximum dose of Qtern is 10 mg/5 mg (dapagliflozin / saxagliptin) once daily in the morning.
Is it safe for me to take Qtern?
Qtern is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. Qtern is contraindicated in patients with:
- History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to dapagliflozin or to saxagliptin, such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, or exfoliative skin conditions
Moderate to severe renal impairment (eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or patients on dialysis
Qtern Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Qtern:
- Sore throat, cough, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection
- Pain or discomfort while urinating and other symptoms of an urinary tract infection
- High cholesterol or fats in the blood
- Headache
- Diarrhea
Qtern Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Qtern. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Inflamed pancreas: upper stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting
- Ketoacidosis (too much blood acid): trouble breathing, vomiting, belly pain, dry skin and mouth, feeling very tired, fruity-smelling breath
- Sudden kidney problems: urinating less than usual, chest pain
- Low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion
- Serious genital skin infection: pain, swelling, or redness in the genital area, fever, weakness
- Severe skin or allergic reactions: rash, blisters, sores, trouble breathing, swelling
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Qtern
The following medications may interact with Qtern:
- Strong CYP3A4/5 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole): Do not coadminister
- Qtern with strong cytochrome P450 3A4/5 inhibitors
Who makes Qtern?
AstraZeneca
Is Qtern safe in pregnancy?
Qtern may harm your unborn baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to control your blood sugar.
