Saxagliptin

It promotes pancreatic insulin secretion by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme that degrades the GLP-1 and GIP intestinal hormones involved in the physiological regulation of glucose, which are activated by eating (EMA 2016, Baetta 2011, Scheen 2011). Administered orally, once a day.

Common side effects are upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and headaches (EMA, 2016).

Very low risk of hypoglycemia in monotherapy. Very low frequency of clinically significant side effects. Doses up to 80 times higher than normal for 2 weeks did not produce side effects (EMA, 2016).

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Its pharmacokinetic data (EMA 2016, Scheen 2011) and those of its active metabolite (low molecular weight, insignificant protein binding and half-life) make it likely it will pass into breast milk in concentrations that could be significant.

Until there is more published data on this drug in relation to breastfeeding, safer known alternatives may be preferable, especially during the neonatal period and in case of prematurity.

Diet, exercise, and breastfeeding improve blood sugar levels.

• Maternal Diabetes Mellitus (Low Risk probable)
• Vildagliptin (Low Risk probable)

Alternatives

• Sport (Very Low Risk)
• Hypo-Caloric Diet (Very Low Risk)
• Acarbose (Very Low Risk)
• Chlorpropamide (Low Risk probable)
• Tolbutamide (Very Low Risk)
• Miglitol (Very Low Risk)
• Glibenclamide (Very Low Risk)
• Metformin Hydrochloride (Very Low Risk)