1. Introduction
Samvec 10 mg is an oral antidiabetic medication containing saxagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor that enhances the body’s natural ability to control blood sugar levels. It is particularly effective for type 2 diabetes management when combined with diet and exercise.
2. Key Specifications
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Generic Name:Â Saxagliptin
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Brand Names:Â Samvec (India), Onglyza (international)
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Dosage Form:Â Film-coated tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg)
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Manufacturer:Â Samarth Life Sciences
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Drug Class:Â Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor
3. Therapeutic Advantages
✔ Glucose-dependent insulin secretion (low hypoglycemia risk)
✔ Weight-neutral effect
✔ Once-daily dosing for better compliance
✔ Cardiovascular safety proven in clinical trials
4. Mechanism of Action
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Inhibits DPP-4 enzyme, prolonging active GLP-1 and GIP
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Enhances pancreatic insulin secretion when glucose is high
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Suppresses glucagon release from alpha cells
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Slows gastric emptying (mild effect)
5. Approved Indications
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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (monotherapy or combination)
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Adjunct to diet and exercise
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Combination with metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or insulin
6. Dosage & Administration
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Standard Dose: 5 mg once daily (2.5 mg if CrCl ≤50 mL/min)
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Maximum Dose:Â 5 mg daily (10 mg not commonly used)
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Best Taken:Â Morning, with/without food
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Missed Dose:Â Take if remembered same day; skip if next day
7. Side Effects
Common (≥1%):
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Upper respiratory tract infection
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Urinary tract infection
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Headache
Serious (Monitor For):
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Pancreatitis (rare but serious)
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Hypersensitivity reactions
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Joint pain (severe arthralgia)
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Heart failure (in predisposed patients)
8. Pharmacokinetics
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Peak Time:Â 2 hours
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Half-life:Â 2.5-3.5 hours
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Duration:Â 24 hours (DPP-4 inhibition)
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Metabolism:Â CYP3A4/5 mediated
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Excretion:Â Renal (75%) and fecal (22%)
9. Storage Requirements
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Temperature: Below 30°C
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Humidity:Â Keep in original packaging
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Stability:Â 24 months from manufacture
10. Important Precautions
âš Â Renal Impairment:
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CrCl >50: 5 mg daily
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CrCl ≤50: 2.5 mg daily
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ESRD: Not recommended
âš Â Hepatic Impairment:
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No dose adjustment needed
âš Â Drug Interactions:
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Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole): Reduce to 2.5 mg
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CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin): May need dose increase
11. Clinical Advantages Over Other DPP-4 Inhibitors
Parameter | Saxagliptin | Sitagliptin | Linagliptin |
---|---|---|---|
Renal Adjustment | Yes | Yes | No |
CYP Interactions | Yes | Minimal | Minimal |
CV Outcome | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Cost | Moderate | High | High |
12. Patient Counseling Points
• “Take at the same time daily”
• “Report unusual stomach pain immediately”
• “Monitor for signs of heart failure”
• “Continue diet/exercise regimen”
13. Conclusion
Samvec 10 mg offers effective glycemic control with minimal side effects, making it a valuable option for type 2 diabetes management. While the 10 mg dose exists, 5 mg is typically the maintenance dose, with 10 mg reserved for specific cases under medical supervision. Its once-daily regimen and weight-neutral profile enhance patient compliance.
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