Kombiglyze XR

Kombiglyze XR is part of the drug class:

• Combinations of oral blood glucose lowering drugs

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your doctor if you take medications that block a protein in the body (CYP3A4) such as some macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin), some HIV protease inhibitors (indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), some HCV protease inhibitors (boceprevir, telaprevir), some azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole), conivaptan (Vaprisol), delavirdine (Rescriptor), and nefazodone.

Tell your healthcare provider if you will be starting or stopping certain other types of medicines, such as antibiotics, or medicines that treat fungus or HIV/AIDS, because your dose of Kombiglyze XR might need to be changed.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Serious side effects can happen in people taking Kombiglyze XR, including:

Lactic Acidosis. Metformin, one of the medicines in Kombiglyze XR, can cause a rare, but serious, side effect called lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the blood) that can cause death. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in a hospital.

Stop taking Kombiglyze XR and call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis:

• feel very weak and tired
• have unusual (not normal) muscle pain
• have trouble breathing
• have unusual sleepiness or sleep longer than usual
• have unexplained stomach or intestinal problems with nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea
• feel cold, especially in your arms and legs
• feel dizzy or lightheaded
• have a slow or irregular heartbeat

• have kidney problems. People whose kidneys are not working properly should not take Kombiglyze XR.
• have liver problems.
• have congestive heart failure that requires treatment with medicines.
• drink a lot of alcohol (very often or short-term “binge” drinking).
• get dehydrated (lose a large amount of body fluids). This can happen if you are sick with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dehydration can also happen when you sweat a lot with activity or exercise and do not drink enough fluids.
• have certain x-ray tests with injectable dyes or contrast agents.
• have surgery.
• have a heart attack, severe infection, or stroke.
• are 80 years of age or older and have not had your kidney function tested.

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) which may be severe and lead to death. Certain medical problems make you more likely to get pancreatitis. Before you start taking Kombiglyze XR:

• inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
• stones in your gallbladder (gallstones)
• a history of alcoholism
• high blood triglyceride levels
• a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to Kombiglyze XR, such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, or exfoliative skin conditions

It is not known if having these medical problems will make you more likely to get pancreatitis with Kombiglyze XR.

Stop taking Kombiglyze XR and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that is severe and will not go away. The pain may be felt going from your abdomen through to your back. The pain may happen with or without vomiting. These may be symptoms of pancreatitis.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may become worse in people who also take another medication to treat diabetes, such as sulfonylureas or insulin. Tell your healthcare provider if you take other diabetes medicines. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, you should check your blood sugar and treat if low, then call your healthcare provider. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• shaking
• sweating
• rapid heartbeat
• change in vision
• hunger
• headache
• change in mood

Kombiglyze XR may cause severe and persistent joint pain. If you experience severe and persistent joint pain, contact your doctor right away. Do not stop taking your medication. Your doctor will decide if your medication is the possible cause of severe  joint pain and will discontinue the drug if appropriate.

Allergic hypersensitivity) reactions. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Kombiglyze XR and contact your healthcare provider right away.

• swelling of your face, lips, throat, and other areas on your skin
• difficulty with swallowing or breathing
• raised, red areas on your skin (hives)
• skin rash, itching, flaking, or peeling

Do not take Kombiglyze XR if you:

• have a condition called metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your blood or urine)
• have kidney problems
• have a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to Kombiglyze XR, such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, or exfoliative skin conditions

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take metformin and saxagliptin with a meal.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky. To quickly treat low blood sugar, always keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda.

Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to use in case you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink. Be sure your family and close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, headache, and tiredness.

Your doctor may want you to stop taking this medicine for a short time if you become ill, have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

This medicine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood tests, foot care, and eye care. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

In the U.S.

• Kombiglyze XR

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet, Extended Release

Therapeutic Class: Antidiabetic

Pharmacologic Class: Saxagliptin

Chemical Class: Metformin

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Anxiety
• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• blurred vision
• body aches or pain
• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• cool, pale skin
• cough
• depression
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficulty with breathing
• dizziness
• ear congestion
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• headache
• increased hunger
• loss of voice
• lower back or side pain
• nasal congestion
• nausea
• nightmares
• runny nose
• seizures
• shakiness
• slurred speech
• sneezing
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness or weakness

• Cough or hoarseness

• Black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• constipation
• darkened urine
• difficulty with swallowing
• hives or skin rash
• indigestion
• large, hard skin blisters
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss of appetite
• pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• tightness in the chest
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Diarrhea
• muscle aches

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• itching
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• redness of the skin
• weakness
• welts

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time Kombiglyze XR is refilled. If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Kombiglyze XR or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Kombiglyze XR. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Kombiglyze XR is contraindicated in patients with:

The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information:

• Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

• Heart Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

• Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Sulfonylurea or Insulin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]

• Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

• Severe and disabling arthralgia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]

• Bullous pemphigoid [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Metformin hydrochloride

In placebo-controlled monotherapy trials of metformin extended-release, diarrhea and nausea/vomiting were reported in >5% of metformin-treated patients and more commonly than in placebo-treated patients (9.6% versus 2.6% for diarrhea and 6.5% versus 1.5% for nausea/vomiting). Diarrhea led to discontinuation of study medication in 0.6% of the patients treated with metformin extended-release.

Saxagliptin

The data in Table 1 are derived from a pool of 5 placebo-controlled clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14)]. These data shown in the table reflect exposure of 882 patients to saxagliptin and a mean duration of exposure to saxagliptin of 21 weeks. The mean age of these patients was 55 years, 1.4% were 75 years or older and 48.4% were male. The population was 67.5% White, 4.6% Black or African American, 17.4% Asian, Other 10.5% and 9.8% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. At baseline the population had diabetes for an average of 5.2 years and a mean HbA1c of 8.2%. Baseline estimated renal function was normal or mildly impaired (eGFR ≥60mL/min/1.73m2) in 91% of these patients.

Table 1 shows common adverse reactions, excluding hypoglycemia, associated with the use of saxagliptin. These adverse reactions occurred more commonly on saxagliptin than on placebo and occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with saxagliptin.

In patients treated with saxagliptin 2.5 mg, headache (6.5%) was the only adverse reaction reported at a rate ≥5% and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo.

In the add-on to TZD trial, the incidence of peripheral edema was higher for saxagliptin 5 mg versus placebo (8.1% and 4.3%, respectively). The incidence of peripheral edema for saxagliptin 2.5 mg was 3.1%. None of the reported adverse reactions of peripheral edema resulted in study drug discontinuation. Rates of peripheral edema for saxagliptin 2.5 mg and saxagliptin 5 mg versus placebo were 3.6% and 2% versus 3% given as monotherapy, 2.1% and 2.1% versus 2.2% given as add-on therapy to metformin, and 2.4% and 1.2% versus 2.2% given as add-on therapy to glyburide.

The incidence rate of fractures was 1.0 and 0.6 per 100 patient-years, respectively, for saxagliptin (pooled analysis of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg) and placebo. The 10 mg saxagliptin dosage is not an approved dosage. The incidence rate of fracture events in patients who received saxagliptin did not increase over time. Causality has not been established and nonclinical studies have not demonstrated adverse effects of saxagliptin on bone.

An event of thrombocytopenia, consistent with a diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, was observed in the clinical program. The relationship of this event to saxagliptin is not known.

Discontinuation of therapy due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.2%, 3.3%, and 1.8% of subjects receiving saxagliptin 2.5 mg, saxagliptin 5 mg, and placebo, respectively. The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 2 subjects treated with saxagliptin 2.5 mg or at least 2 subjects treated with saxagliptin 5 mg) associated with premature discontinuation of therapy included lymphopenia (0.1% and 0.5% versus 0%, respectively), rash (0.2% and 0.3% versus 0.3%), blood creatinine increased (0.3% and 0% versus 0%), and blood creatine phosphokinase increased (0.1% and 0.2% versus 0%).

Adverse Reactions with Concomitant Use with Insulin

In the add-on to insulin trial [see Clinical Studies (14.1)], the incidence of adverse events, including serious adverse events and discontinuations due to adverse events, was similar between saxagliptin and placebo, except for confirmed hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Table 2 shows the adverse reactions reported (regardless of investigator assessment of causality) in ≥5% of patients participating in an additional 24-week, active-controlled trial of coadministered saxagliptin and metformin in treatment-naive patients.

In patients treated with the combination of saxagliptin and metformin immediate-release, either as saxagliptin add-on to metformin immediate-release therapy or as coadministration in treatment-naive patients, diarrhea was the only gastrointestinal-related event that occurred with an incidence ≥5% in any treatment group in both studies. In the saxagliptin add-on to metformin immediate-release trial, the incidence of diarrhea was 9.9%, 5.8%, and 11.2% in the saxagliptin 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. When saxagliptin and metformin immediate-release were coadministered in treatment-naive patients, the incidence of diarrhea was 6.9% in the saxagliptin 5 mg + metformin immediate-release group and 7.3% in the placebo + metformin immediate-release group.

In the saxagliptin clinical trials, adverse reactions of hypoglycemia were based on all reports of hypoglycemia. A concurrent glucose measurement was not required or was normal in some patients. Therefore, it is not possible to conclusively determine that all these reports reflect true hypoglycemia.

The incidence of reported hypoglycemia for saxagliptin 2.5 mg and saxagliptin 5 mg versus placebo given as monotherapy was 4% and 5.6% versus 4.1%, respectively. In the add-on to metformin immediate-release trial, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 7.8% with saxagliptin 2.5 mg, 5.8% with saxagliptin 5 mg, and 5% with placebo. When saxagliptin and metformin immediate-release were coadministered in treatment-naive patients, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 3.4% in patients given saxagliptin 5 mg + metformin immediate-release and 4% in patients given placebo + metformin immediate-release.

In the active-controlled trial comparing add-on therapy with saxagliptin 5 mg to glipizide in patients inadequately controlled on metformin alone, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 3% (19 events in 13 patients) with saxagliptin 5 mg versus 36.3% (750 events in 156 patients) with glipizide. Confirmed symptomatic hypoglycemia (accompanying fingerstick blood glucose ≤50 mg/dL) was reported in none of the saxagliptin-treated patients and in 35 glipizide-treated patients (8.1%) (p<0.0001).

In the saxagliptin add-on to insulin trial, the overall incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 18.4% for saxagliptin 5 mg and 19.9% for placebo. However, the incidence of confirmed symptomatic hypoglycemia (accompanying fingerstick blood glucose ≤50 mg/dL) was higher with saxagliptin 5 mg (5.3%) versus placebo (3.3%). Among the patients using insulin in combination with metformin, the incidence of confirmed symptomatic hypoglycemia was 4.8% with saxagliptin versus 1.9% with placebo.

In the saxagliptin add-on to metformin plus sulfonylurea trial, the overall incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 10.1% for saxagliptin 5 mg and 6.3% for placebo. Confirmed hypoglycemia was reported in 1.6% of the saxagliptin-treated patients and in none of the placebo-treated patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Saxagliptin

Hypersensitivity-related events, such as urticaria and facial edema in the 5-study pooled analysis up to Week 24 were reported in 1.5%, 1.5%, and 0.4% of patients who received saxagliptin 2.5 mg, saxagliptin 5 mg, and placebo, respectively. None of these events in patients who received saxagliptin required hospitalization or were reported as life-threatening by the investigators. One saxagliptin-treated patient in this pooled analysis discontinued due to generalized urticaria and facial edema.

In the SAVOR trial, adverse reactions related to renal impairment, including laboratory changes (i.e., doubling of serum creatinine compared with baseline and serum creatinine >6 mg/dL), were reported in 5.8% (483/8280) of saxagliptin-treated subjects and 5.1% (422/8212) of placebo-treated subjects. The most frequently reported adverse reactions included renal impairment (2.1% vs. 1.9%), acute renal failure (1.4% vs. 1.2%), and renal failure (0.8% vs. 0.9%), in the saxagliptin versus placebo groups, respectively. From baseline to the end of treatment, there was a mean decrease in eGFR of 2.5 mL/min/1.73m2 for saxagliptin-treated patients and a mean decrease of 2.4 mL/min/1.73m2 for placebo-treated patients. More subjects randomized to saxagliptin (421/5227, 8.1%) compared to subjects randomized to placebo (344/5073, 6.8%) had downward shifts in eGFR from >50 mL/min/1.73 m2 (i.e., normal or mild renal impairment) to ≤50 mL/min/1.73 m2 (i.e., moderate or severe renal impairment). The proportions of subjects with renal adverse reactions increased with worsening baseline renal function and increased age, regardless of treatment assignment.

Saxagliptin

In the unblinded, controlled, clinical trial database for saxagliptin to date, there have been 6 (0.12%) reports of tuberculosis among the 4959 saxagliptin-treated patients (1.1 per 1000 patient-years) compared to no reports of tuberculosis among the 2868 comparator-treated patients. Two of these six cases were confirmed with laboratory testing. The remaining cases had limited information or had presumptive diagnoses of tuberculosis. None of the six cases occurred in the United States or in Western Europe. One case occurred in Canada in a patient originally from Indonesia who had recently visited Indonesia. The duration of treatment with saxagliptin until report of tuberculosis ranged from 144 to 929 days. Post-treatment lymphocyte counts were consistently within the reference range for four cases. One patient had lymphopenia prior to initiation of saxagliptin that remained stable throughout saxagliptin treatment. The final patient had an isolated lymphocyte count below normal approximately four months prior to the report of tuberculosis. There have been no spontaneous reports of tuberculosis associated with saxagliptin use. Causality has not been established and there are too few cases to date to determine whether tuberculosis is related to saxagliptin use.

There has been one case of a potential opportunistic infection in the unblinded, controlled clinical trial database to date in a saxagliptin-treated patient who developed suspected foodborne fatal salmonella sepsis after approximately 600 days of saxagliptin therapy. There have been no spontaneous reports of opportunistic infections associated with saxagliptin use.

Saxagliptin

No clinically meaningful changes in vital signs have been observed in patients treated with saxagliptin alone or in combination with metformin.

Absolute Lymphocyte Counts

Saxagliptin

There was a dose-related mean decrease in absolute lymphocyte count observed with saxagliptin. From a baseline mean absolute lymphocyte count of approximately 2200 cells/microL, mean decreases of approximately 100 and 120 cells/microL with saxagliptin 5 mg and 10 mg, respectively, relative to placebo were observed at 24 weeks in a pooled analysis of five placebo-controlled clinical studies. Similar effects were observed when saxagliptin 5 mg and metformin were coadministered in treatment-naive patients compared to placebo and metformin. There was no difference observed for saxagliptin 2.5 mg relative to placebo. The proportion of patients who were reported to have a lymphocyte count ≤750 cells/microL was 0.5%, 1.5%, 1.4%, and 0.4% in the saxagliptin 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. In most patients, recurrence was not observed with repeated exposure to saxagliptin although some patients had recurrent decreases upon rechallenge that led to discontinuation of saxagliptin. The decreases in lymphocyte count were not associated with clinically relevant adverse reactions. The 10 mg saxagliptin dosage is not an approved dosage.

In the SAVOR trial mean decreases of approximately 84 cells/microL with saxagliptin relative to placebo was observed. The proportion of patients who experienced a decrease in lymphocyte counts to a count of ≤750 cells/microL was 1.6% (136/8280) and 1.0% (78/8212) on saxagliptin and placebo respectively.

The clinical significance of this decrease in lymphocyte count relative to placebo is not known. When clinically indicated, such as in settings of unusual or prolonged infection, lymphocyte count should be measured. The effect of saxagliptin on lymphocyte counts in patients with lymphocyte abnormalities (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus) is unknown.

Vitamin B12 Concentrations

Metformin hydrochloride

Metformin may lower serum vitamin B12 concentrations. Measurement of hematologic parameters on an annual basis is advised in patients on Kombiglyze XR and any apparent abnormalities should be appropriately investigated and managed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Postmarketing Experience

Additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Saxagliptin

Pregnancy

Limited available data with Kombiglyze XR or saxagliptin in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. Published studies with metformin use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defect or miscarriage risk [see Data].

No adverse developmental effects independent of maternal toxicity were observed when saxagliptin and metformin were administered separately or in combination to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis [see Data].

The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with an HbA1c greater than 7 and has been reported to be as high as 20 to 25% in women with an HbA1c greater than 10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk

Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, still birth and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity.

Data

Animal Data

Saxagliptin

In embryo-fetal development studies, saxagliptin was administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis, corresponding to the first trimester of human pregnancy. No adverse developmental effects were observed in either species at exposures 1503- and 152-times the 5 mg clinical dose in rats and rabbits, respectively, based on AUC. Saxagliptin crosses the placenta into the fetus following dosing in pregnant rats.

In a prenatal and postnatal development study, no adverse developmental effects were observed in maternal rats administered saxagliptin from gestation day 6 through lactation day 21 at exposures up to 470-times the 5 mg clinical dose, based on AUC.

Metformin hydrochloride

Metformin hydrochloride did not cause adverse developmental effect when administered to pregnant Sprague Dawley rats and rabbits up to 600 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. This represents an exposure of about 2- and 6-times a 2000 mg clinical dose based on body surface area (mg/m2) for rats and rabbits, respectively.

Saxagliptin and Metformin

Saxagliptin and metformin coadministered to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis did not result in adverse developmental effects considered clinically relevant in either species. Doses tested in rats provided exposure up to 100- and 10-times clinical exposure, and doses tested in rabbits provided exposure up to 249- and 1-times clinical exposure relative to the clinical dose of 5 mg saxagliptin and 2000 mg metformin. Minor skeletal abnormalities associated with maternal toxicity were observed in rats. In rabbits, coadministration was poorly tolerated in a subset of mothers (12 of 30), resulting in death, moribundity, or abortion. However, among surviving mothers with evaluable litters, maternal toxicity was limited to marginal reductions in body weight over the course of gestation days 21 to 29, associated with fetal body weight decrements of 7%, and a low incidence of delayed ossification of the fetal hyoid bone.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of Kombiglyze XR or saxagliptin in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Limited published studies report that metformin is present in human milk [see Data]. However, there is insufficient information on the effects of metformin on the breastfed infant and no available information on the effects of metformin on milk production. Saxagliptin is present in the milk of lactating rats [see Data].

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Kombiglyze XR and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Kombiglyze XR or from the underlying maternal condition.

Data

Human

Published clinical lactation studies report that metformin is present in human milk which resulted in infant doses approximately 0.11% to 1% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 0.13 and 1. However, the studies were not designed to definitely establish the risk of use of metformin during lactation because of small sample size and limited adverse event data collected in infants.

Animals

No studies is lactating animals have been conducted with the combined components of Kombiglyze XR. In studies performed with the individual components, both saxagliptin and metformin are secreted in the milk of lactating rats. Saxagliptin is secreted in the milk of lactating rats at approximately a 1:1 ratio with plasma drug concentrations.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of Kombiglyze XR in pediatric patients under 18 years of age have not been established. Additionally, studies characterizing the pharmacokinetics of Kombiglyze XR in pediatric patients have not been performed.

Geriatric Use

Kombiglyze XR

Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function. Assess renal function more frequently in the elderly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Saxagliptin

In the seven, double-blind, controlled clinical safety and efficacy trials of saxagliptin, a total of 4751 (42.0%) of the 11301 patients randomized to saxagliptin were 65 years and over, and 1210 (10.7%) were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects ≥65 years old and younger subjects. While this clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Metformin hydrochloride

Controlled clinical studies of metformin did not include sufficient numbers of elderly patients to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients, although other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and young patients. Metformin is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy and the higher risk of lactic acidosis. Assess renal function more frequently in elderly patients [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Renal Impairment

Saxagliptin

In a 12-week randomized placebo-controlled trial, saxagliptin 2.5 mg was administered to 85 subjects with moderate (n=48) or severe (n=18) renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (n=19) [see Clinical Studies (14)]. The incidence of adverse events, including serious adverse events and discontinuations due to adverse events, was similar between saxagliptin and placebo. The overall incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 20% among subjects treated with saxagliptin 2.5 mg and 22% among subjects treated with placebo. Four saxagliptin-treated subjects (4.7%) and three placebo-treated subjects (3.5%) reported at least one episode of confirmed symptomatic hypoglycemia (accompanying fingerstick glucose ≤50 mg/dL).

Metformin hydrochloride

Metformin is substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis increases with the degree of renal impairment. Kombiglyze XR is contraindicated in severe renal impairment, patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Hepatic Impairment

Use of metformin in patients with hepatic impairment has been associated with some cases of lactic acidosis. Kombiglyze XR is not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

How Supplied

Kombiglyze XR® (saxagliptin and metformin HCl extended-release) tablets have markings on both sides and are available in the strengths and packages listed in Table 15.

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Take Kombiglyze XR exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Kombiglyze XR with a meal.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky. To quickly treat low blood sugar, always keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda.

Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to use in case you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink. Be sure your family and close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, headache, and tiredness.

Your doctor may want you to stop taking Kombiglyze XR for a short time if you become ill, have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Kombiglyze XR is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood tests, foot care, and eye care. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

More frequent side effects include: decreased vitamin b12 serum concentrate and hypoglycemia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to metformin / saxagliptin: oral tablet extended release

General

Among treatment naive patients' coadministered saxagliptin and metformin, the most commonly reported adverse events included headache and nasopharyngitis. Adverse reactions that are commonly reported with saxagliptin include respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and headache; adverse reactions that are commonly reported with metformin include diarrhea and vomiting, especially on treatment initiation.[Ref]

Metabolic

In metformin-treated patients, lactic acidosis has been reported in approximately 0.03 cases per 1000 patient-years with approximately half these cases resulting in fatalities. In more than 20,000 patient-years exposure in clinical trials, there were no cases of lactic acidosis. Reported cases have occurred primarily in patients with significant renal insufficiency, often in the setting of multiple concomitant medical/surgical problems and multiple concomitant medications.

In saxagliptin monotherapy clinical trials, hypoglycemia was reported in 4%, 5.6%, and 4.1% of patients receiving saxagliptin 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and placebo, respectively. In add-on to metformin immediate-release, hypoglycemia was reported in 7.8%, 5.8%, and 5%, respectively.[Ref]

Saxagliptin-Metformin:
Very common (10% or more): Hypoglycemia (in combination with insulin or sulfonylurea)
Common (1% to 10%): Hypoglycemia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blood creatinine phosphokinase increased

Metformin:
Very rare: Lactic Acidosis[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Saxagliptin:
Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity-related events such as urticaria and facial edema
Postmarketing reports: Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and exfoliative skin conditions[Ref]

In a 5-study pooled analysis including patients receiving saxagliptin 2.5 mg, saxagliptin 5 mg, and placebo, hypersensitivity-related events were reported in 1.5%, 1.5%, and 0.4%, respectively. None of the events required hospitalization or were reported as life-threatening. One saxagliptin-treated patient discontinued treatment due to generalized urticaria and facial edema. Postmarketing, there have been serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and exfoliative skin conditions reported.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash
Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, dermatitis, pruritus, rash, urticaria[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Saxagliptin-Metformin
Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, gastritis, flatulence

Saxagliptin:
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, vomiting
Postmarketing reports: Acute pancreatitis

Metformin:
Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,[Ref]

Frequently during treatment initiation of metformin gastrointestinal effects have occurred and these appear to resolve spontaneously in most cases. A slow increase in dose and dividing doses and taking during or after meals may improve gastrointestinal tolerability. In metformin extended-release monotherapy trials, diarrhea and nausea/vomiting were reported in 9.6% and 6.5% of patients compared with 2.6% and 1.5% of placebo patients, respectively.

Acute pancreatitis has been reported during postmarketing use of saxagliptin. In the SAVOR (Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus-Thrombolysis in Myocardial infarction) Trial, the incidence of adjudicated pancreatitis events in the intention to treat population was 0.3% in both the saxagliptin treated patients as well as those receiving placebo.[Ref]

Hematologic

A dose-related mean decrease in absolute lymphocyte count was observed during clinical trials. The proportion of patients with lymphocyte counts of 750 cells/microL or less was 0.5%, 1.5%, 1.4%, and 0.4% in patients receiving saxagliptin 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg (not an approved dosage), and placebo, respectively. In most patients, recurrence was not observed with repeated exposure, although some discontinuations were associated with recurrent decrease upon rechallenge. During clinical trials, these decreases in lymphocyte count were not associated with clinically relevant adverse reactions, but whether these decreases may become a concern is unknown. When clinically indicated, such as in settings of unusual or prolonged infection, lymphocyte count should be measured. The effect of saxagliptin on lymphocyte counts in patients with lymphocyte abnormalities (e.g., HIV) is unknown.[Ref]

Saxagliptin:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Lymphopenia
Frequency not reported: Thrombocytopenia

Metformin:
Rare (less than 0.1%): Megaloblastic anemia due to reduced vitamin B12 absorption[Ref]

Hepatic

Metformin:
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Liver function disorders, hepatitis[Ref]

Cardiovascular

In the SAVOR (Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus-Thrombolysis in Myocardial infarction) Trial, hospitalization for heart failure (secondary composite endpoint) occurred at a greater rate in the saxagliptin group (3.5%) compared with the placebo group (2.8%), however clinically relevant factors predictive of increased relative risk with saxagliptin could not be definitively identified. Known risk factors for heart failure such as baseline history of heart failure or impaired renal function did confer increased risk, irrespective of treatment assignment. The primary composite endpoints for all-cause mortality showed saxagliptin did not increase the cardiovascular (CV) risk(CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal ischemic stroke) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to placebo when added to current background therapy.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Hospitalization for heart failure, hypertension, peripheral edema (in combination with a thiazolidinedione)[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Erectile dysfunction[Ref]

Immunologic

Among 4959 saxagliptin-treated patients in clinical trials, 6 cases of tuberculosis have been received; no reports of tuberculosis have been received among the 2868 comparator-treated patients. Causality has not been established and there are too few cases to date to determine any relation to saxagliptin use. None of the cases occurred in the U.S. or in Western Europe; 1 case occurred in Canada in a patient originally from Indonesia who had recently visited Indonesia.

One case of a potential opportunistic infection occurred in a saxagliptin-treated patient. Approximately 600 days after starting saxagliptin, this patient developed fatal salmonella sepsis.[Ref]

Saxagliptin:
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tuberculosis
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Potential opportunistic infection (salmonella)[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthralgia[Ref]

Between October 2006 and December 2013, thirty-three cases of severe arthralgia have been reported to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database. Each case involved the use of 1 or more dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. In all cases, substantial reduction in prior activity level was reported, 10 patients were hospitalized due to disabling joint pain. In 22 cases, symptoms appeared within 1 month of starting therapy, in 23 cases symptoms resolved less than 1 month after discontinuation. A positive rechallenge was reported in 8 cases, with 6 cases involving use of a different DPP-4 inhibitor. Sitagliptin had the greatest number of cases reported (n=28) followed by saxagliptin (n=5), linagliptin (n=2), alogliptin (n=1), and vildagliptin (n=2).[Ref]

Nervous system

Saxagliptin-Metformin:
Common (1% to 10%): Headache

Saxagliptin:
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness

Metformin:
Common (1% to 10%): Metallic taste[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis[Ref]

Renal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blood creatinine increased[Ref]

Other

Saxagliptin:
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue[Ref]

Some side effects of Kombiglyze XR may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.