See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Kazano
What side effects can Kazano (sitagliptin/metformin) cause?
Kazano is a combination of sitagliptin and metformin, used to treat type 2 diabetes. Side effects are generally similar to those seen with these two medicines.
Commonly reported issues include gastrointestinal effects from metformin, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, and loss of appetite. [1]
Sitagliptin can also cause side effects such as headache and upper respiratory symptoms (for example, stuffy or runny nose, and sore throat). [1]
What serious side effects should you watch for?
Seek urgent medical care for signs of serious reactions that can occur with diabetes medicines, including:
- Severe allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing). [1]
- Pancreatitis symptoms, which can include severe abdominal pain (often with nausea/vomiting). [1]
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if Kazano is used together with other glucose-lowering medicines (a common risk is when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea). [1]
- Signs of lactic acidosis (a rare but serious metformin-related condition), such as unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, slow or irregular heartbeat, and stomach pain with vomiting. [1]
Can Kazano cause diarrhea or stomach problems?
Yes. Gastrointestinal side effects are among the most common with metformin-containing therapies. People may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort, particularly when starting treatment or increasing the dose. [1]
How likely are side effects, and when do they happen?
Most stomach-related side effects tend to appear early in treatment and may lessen as your body adjusts, though they can persist for some people. Serious side effects like pancreatitis or lactic acidosis are uncommon but can occur at any time during use. [1]
What should you do if you get side effects?
If you have mild stomach symptoms, tell your clinician. They may adjust the dose or timing to reduce effects. If you develop symptoms of a serious reaction (allergy), pancreatitis, or lactic acidosis, stop and get urgent medical help as directed by your healthcare team. [1]
Who is at higher risk for metformin-related lactic acidosis?
Risk is higher when kidney function is reduced or when there are conditions that can lower oxygen delivery or increase medication buildup, such as significant kidney impairment, severe infection, dehydration, heavy alcohol use, or some acute illnesses. Your prescriber typically checks kidney function before and during therapy. [1]
What are the alternatives if Kazano doesn’t agree with you?
If side effects are a problem, clinicians often adjust the dose, change the dosing schedule, or switch therapy. Because Kazano combines two drugs in one pill, switching usually means changing to separate components or a different diabetes regimen, depending on your A1C goals, other conditions, and kidney function. [1]
Sources
- FDA label for Kazano (sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=206000