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QTERNMET® XR
(dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and metformin hydrochloride) Extended-release Tablets
WARNING
LACTIC ACIDOSIS
QTERNMET XR extended-release tablets for oral use contain dapagliflozin, saxagliptin and metformin HCl.
Dapagliflozin propanediol is an active inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2). It is described chemically as D-glucitol, 1,5-anhydro-1-C-[4-chloro-3-[(4-ethoxyphenyl)methyl]phenyl]-, (1S)-. Dapagliflozin is compounded with (2S)-1,2-propanediol, hydrate (1:1:1) with an empirical formula as C21H25ClO6•C3H8O2•H2O and the molecular weight of 502.98. The structural formula is:
 |
Saxagliptin is an active inhibitor of the dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme. It is isolated in the monohydrate form chemically known as (1S,3S,5S)-2-[(2S)-2-amino-2-(3-hydroxytricyclo [3.3.1.1] dec-1-yl)acetyl]-2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-3-carbonitrile, monohydrate or (1S,3S,5S)-2-[(2S)-2-amino-2-(3-hydroxy-1-adamantan-1-yl)acetyl]-2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-3-carbonit rile hydrate. The empirical formula is C18H25N3O2•H2O and the molecular weight is 333.43. The structural formula is:
 |
Metformin hydrochloride (N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide hydrochloride) is a biguanide. The molecular formula is C4H11N5•HCl and the molecular weight is 165.63. The structural formula is:
 |
QTERNMET XR is available as film-coated tablets of four strengths:
Each tablet also contains the following inactive ingredients: carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, crospovidone, hypromellose 2208, iron oxides, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, macrogol/polyethylene glycol, silicon dioxide, talc, and titanium dioxide. Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide (if needed) are added for pH adjustment.
QTERNMET XR (dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and metformin hydrochloride) extended-release tablets is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
QTERNMET XR is not indicated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis. QTERNMET XR initiation is intended only for patients currently taking metformin.
Assess renal function before initiating QTERNMET XR therapy and periodically thereafter [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition prior to initiation of QTERNMET XR [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Individualize the starting total daily dose of QTERNMET XR based on the patient’s current regimen, effectiveness, and tolerability [see Dosage Forms And Strengths].
Take QTERNMET XR orally, once daily in the morning with food.
For patients not currently taking dapagliflozin, the recommended starting total daily dose of QTERNMET XR is a 5 mg dapagliflozin/5 mg saxagliptin/1000 mg or 2000 mg metformin hydrochloride (HCl) extended-release once daily.
The maximum recommended daily dose is10 mg dapagliflozin, 5 mg saxagliptin, and 2000 mg metformin HCl extended-release.
Swallow whole. Do not crush, cut or chew the QTERNMET XR tablet. Occasionally, the inactive ingredients of QTERNMET XR will be eliminated in the feces as a soft, hydrated mass that may resemble the original tablet.
If a daily dose is missed and it is greater than or equal to 12 hours until the next dose, the dose should be taken. If a daily dose is missed and it is less than 12 hours until the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose taken at the usual time.
No dose adjustment is needed in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than or equal to 45 mL/min/1.73 m².
QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m² [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Do not coadminister QTERNMET XR with strong cytochrome P450 3A4/5 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and telithromycin) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Discontinue QTERNMET XR at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism or heart failure, or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart QTERNMET XR if renal function is stable [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
| Dapagliflozin Strength | Saxagliptin Strength | Metformin HCl Strength | Color/Shape | Tablet Identifiers* |
| 2.5 mg | 2.5 mg | 1000 mg | light brown to brown, biconvex, oval, film-coated tablet | 3001 |
| 5 mg | 2.5 mg | 1000 mg | green, biconvex, oval, film-coated tablet | 3002 |
| 5 mg | 5 mg | 1000 mg | pink, biconvex, oval, film-coated tablet | 3003 |
| 10 mg | 5 mg | 1000 mg | gray, biconvex, oval, film-coated tablet | 3004 |
| * Debossed on one side. | ||||
QTERNMET XR (dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and metformin HCl) extended-release tablets are available in packages as listed:
| Tablet Strength | Film-Coated Tablet Color/Shape | Tablet Markings | Pack Size | NDC Code |
| 2.5 mg dapagliflozin /2.5 mg saxagliptin /1000 mg metformin HCl | Light brown to brown biconvex, oval | “3001” debossed on one side | Bottles of 60 | 0310-6925-60 |
| 5 mg dapagliflozin /2.5 mg saxagliptin /1000 mg metformin HCl | Green biconvex, oval | “3002” debossed on one side | Bottles of 60 | 0310-6950-60 |
| 5 mg dapagliflozin /5 mg saxagliptin /1000 mg metformin HCl | Pink biconvex, oval | “3003” debossed on one side | Bottles of 30 | 0310-6975-30 |
| 10 mg dapagliflozin /5 mg saxagliptin /1000 mg metformin HCl | Gray biconvex, oval | “3004” debossed on one side | Bottles of 30 | 0310-6990-30 |
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Distributed by: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Wilmington, DE 19850. Revised: May 2019
The following important adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the labeling:
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.
The safety of combined use of 10 mg dapagliflozin and 5 mg saxagliptin has been evaluated in adult subjects with type 2 diabetes in a pooled safety analysis of three phase 3 active/placebo-controlled clinical trials with a median exposure of 51 weeks. The pooled safety analysis included a total of 1169 adults: 492 patients in the combination of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin plus metformin group, 341 patients in the dapagliflozin plus metformin group, 336 patients the saxagliptin plus metformin group. The mean age of these subjects was 54 years, 0.8% were 75 years or older and 53.7% were female. The population was 80.9% White, 8.3% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 6.6% Other race. At baseline the population had diabetes for an average of 7.5 years and a mean HbA1c of 8.4%. The mean eGFR at baseline was 94.4 mL/min/1.73 m².
The common adverse reactions were based on the pooled analyses of these studies as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥2% of
Subjects Treated with 10 mg Dapagliflozin and 5 mg Saxagliptin plus Metformin
(≥1500 mg)
| Adverse Reaction Preferred Term* | Frequency % |
| Upper respiratory tract infection* | 13.6 |
| Urinary tract infection* | 5.7 |
| Dyslipidemia* | 5.1 |
| Headache | 4.3 |
| Diarrhea | 3.7 |
| Back pain | 3.3 |
| Genital infection* | 3.0 |
| Arthralgia | 2.4 |
| * Adverse reactions that are medically related were grouped to a single preferred term. | |
Additionally, adverse reactions reported in <5% and ≥2% from the dapagliflozin development program and ≥1% more frequently compared to placebo included increased urination and discomfort with urination.
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.
In the pooled analysis, the incidences of hypoglycemia (defined as blood glucose <54 mg/dL regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms) and severe hypoglycemia (events requiring assistance due to neuroglycopenia, characterized by altered mental and/or physical status) were 1% and 0.2%, respectively.
Genital mycotic infections were reported in 15 subjects (3%) treated with combination plus metformin therapy. Reported adverse reactions by frequency included vulvovaginal mycotic infection, balanoposthitis, genital fungal infection, vaginal infection, and vulvovaginitis. The majority of subjects (84.2%) who experienced genital infection adverse reactions were females.
Urinary tract infections were reported in 28 subjects (5.7%) treated with combination plus metformin therapy. Reported adverse reactions by frequency included urinary tract infection, Escherichia urinary tract infection, prostatitis, and pyelonephritis. The majority of subjects (80.6%) who experienced urinary tract infection adverse reactions were females.
Dapagliflozin causes an osmotic diuresis, which may lead to reductions in intravascular volume. Events related to volume depletion (hypotension, dehydration, and hypovolemia) were reported in 2 subjects (0.4%) treated with dapagliflozin, saxagliptin and metformin combination therapy.
Dapagliflozin And Saxagliptin Plus Metformin
Adverse reactions related to decreased renal function were reported in 10 subjects (2.0%) treated with combination plus metformin therapy. The reported adverse reactions included decreased glomerular filtration rate, renal impairment, increased blood creatinine, acute renal failure, and decreased urine output. None of the adverse reactions were reported as serious and all but one were mild to moderate in intensity. Three subjects discontinued due to decreased eGFR. Subjects with AEs of renal impairment had lower mean eGFR values at baseline of 64.4 mL/min/1.73 m² compared to 94.4 mL/min/1.73 m² in overall population treated with combination plus metformin therapy.
Dapagliflozin
Use of dapagliflozin was associated with increases in serum creatinine and decreases in eGFR (see Table 2). In patients with normal or mildly impaired renal function at baseline, serum creatinine and eGFR returned to baseline values at Week 24. Renal-related adverse reactions, including renal failure and blood creatinine increase, were more frequent in patients treated with dapagliflozin (see Table 3). Elderly patients and patients with impaired renal function were more susceptible to these adverse reactions (see Table 3). Sustained decreases in eGFR were seen in patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30 to less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m²). QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m².
Table 2: Changes in Serum Creatinine and eGFR
Associated with Dapagliflozin in the Pool of 12 Placebo-Controlled Studies and
Moderate Renal Impairment Studies
| Pool of 12 Placebo-Controlled Studies | ||||
| Placebo N=1393 |
5 mg Dapagliflozin N=1145 |
10 mg Dapagliflozin N=1193 |
||
| Baseline Mean | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | 0.853 | 0.860 | 0.847 |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | 86.0 | 85.3 | 86.7 | |
| Week 1 Change | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | -0.003 | 0.029 | 0.041 |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | 0.4 | -2.9 | -4.1 | |
| Week 24 Change | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | -0.005 | -0.001 | 0.001 |
| Baseline Mean | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | 1.46 | 1.53 | 1.52 |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | 45.6 | 44.2 | 43.9 | |
| Moderate Renal Impairment Study* (eGFR 30 to less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) | ||||
| Placebo N=84 | 5 mg Dapagliflozin N=83 | 10 mg Dapagliflozin N=85 | ||
| Week 1 Change | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | 0.01 | 0.13 | 0.18 |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | 0.5 | -3.8 | -5.5 | |
| Week 24 Change | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | 0.02 | 0.08 | 0.16 |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | 0.03 | -4.0 | -7.4 | |
| Week 52 Change | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | 0.10 | 0.06 | 0.15 |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | -2.6 | -4.2 | -7.3 | |
| Moderate Renal Impairment Study (eGFR 45 to less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) | ||||
| Placebo N=161 |
10 mg Dapagliflozin N=160 |
|||
| Baseline Mean | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | 1.25 | 1.25 | |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | 53.6 | 53.3 | ||
| Week 4 Change | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | -0.02 | 0.09 | |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | 1.3 | -3.8 | ||
| Week 12 Change | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | -0.02 | 0.08 | |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | 1.5 | -3.2 | ||
| Week 24 Change | Serum Creatinine (mg/dL) | -0.003 | 0.06 | |
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | 0.8 | -2.0 | ||
| * QTERN is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m². | ||||
Table 3: Proportion of Patients with at Least One
Renal Impairment-Related Adverse Reaction
| Baseline Characteristics | Pool of 6 Placebo-Controlled Studies (up to 104 weeks)* | Pool of 9 Placebo-Controlled Studies (up to 104 weeks)1. | |||
| Placebo | 5 mg Dapagliflozin | 10 mg Dapagliflozin | Placebo | 10 mg Dapagliflozin | |
| Overall population | n=785 | n=767 | n=859 | n=1956 | n=2026 |
| Patients (%) with at least one event | 13 (1.7%) | 14 (1.8%) | 16 (1.9%) | 82 (4.2%) | 136 (6.7%) |
| 65 years of age and older | n=190 | n=162 | n=159 | n=655 | n=620 |
| Patients (%) with at least one event | 4 (2.1%) | 5 (3.1%) | 6 (3.8%) | 52 (7.9%) | 87 (14.0%) |
| eGFR ≥30‡ and <60 mL/min/1.73 m² | n=77 | n=88 | n=75 | n=249 | n=251 |
| Patients (%) with at least one event | 5 (6.5%) | 7 (8.0%) | 9 (12.0%) | 40 (16.1%) | 71 (28.3%) |
| 65 years of age and older and eGFR ≥30‡ and <60 mL/min/1.73 m² | n=41 | n=43 | n=35 | n=141 | n=134 |
| Patients (%) with at least one event | 2 (4.9%) | 3 (7.0%) | 4 (11.4%) | 27 (19.1%) | 47 (35.1%) |
| * Subset of patients from the pool of 12
placebo-controlled studies with long-term extensions. † Subset of patients from the pool of 13 placebo-controlled studies with long-term extensions. ‡ QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m². |
|||||
In the pool of 12 clinical studies, a subgroup analysis assessed the safety of patients with eGFR between 30 to less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m². At Week 24, the safety of dapagliflozin was similar to that seen in the dapagliflozin clinical program, although a higher proportion of patients had at least one event related to renal impairment or failure. QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m².
Fractures
In a study of patients with eGFR 30 to less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m², 13 patients experienced bone fractures for treatment durations up to 104 weeks. No fractures occurred in the placebo group, 5 occurred in the 5 mg dapagliflozin group, and 8 occurred in the 10 mg dapagliflozin group. Eight of these 13 fractures were in patients who had a baseline eGFR of 30 to 45 mL/min/1.73 m². QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m². Ten of the 13 fractures were reported within the first 52 weeks. There was no apparent pattern with respect to the anatomic site of fracture.
Decrease In Lymphocyte Counts
Saxagliptin
A dose-related mean decrease in absolute lymphocyte count has been observed with saxagliptin. In a pool of 5 placebo-controlled studies, a mean decrease in absolute lymphocyte count of approximately 100 cells/microL relative to placebo was observed. The proportion of patients who were reported to have a lymphocyte count ≤750 cells/microL was 0.5%, 1.5%, and 0.4% in the 2.5 mg, 5 mg saxagliptin and placebo groups, respectively.
The clinical significance of this decrease in lymphocyte count relative to placebo is not known. The effect of saxagliptin on lymphocyte counts in patients with lymphocyte abnormalities (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus) is unknown.
Increase In Hematocrit
Dapagliflozin
In a pool of 13 placebo-controlled studies with dapagliflozin, increases from baseline in mean hematocrit values were observed in dapagliflozin-treated patients starting at Week 1 and continuing up to Week 16, when the maximum mean difference from baseline was observed. At Week 24, the mean changes from baseline in hematocrit were -0.33% in the placebo group and 2.30% in the 10 mg dapagliflozin group. By Week 24, hematocrit values >55% were reported in 0.4% of placebo-treated patients and 1.3% of 10 mg dapagliflozin -treated patients.
Increase In Serum Inorganic Phosphorus
Dapagliflozin
In a pool of 13 placebo-controlled studies with dapagliflozin, increases from baseline in mean serum phosphorus levels were reported at Week 24 in dapagliflozin-treated patients compared with placebo-treated patients (mean increase of 0.13 versus -0.04 mg/dL, respectively). Higher proportions of patients with marked laboratory abnormalities of hyperphosphatemia (≥5.6 mg/dL for age 17-65 years or ≥5.1 mg/dL for age ≥66 years) were reported on dapagliflozin at Week 24 (0.9% versus 1.7% for placebo and 10 mg dapagliflozin, respectively).
Increase In Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Patients treated with combination therapy demonstrated a mean percent increase from baseline LDL-cholesterol (ranging from 2.1 to 6.9%).
Elevations In Creatine Kinase
An imbalance in the number of subjects who experienced serum creatine kinase (CK) elevations >10x the upper limit of normal (a marker of muscle injury/necrosis) was observed in 5 subjects (1%) treated with combination therapy. The elevations were transient. Rhabdomyolysis was reported for one of those subjects for which no obvious cause was identified.
Decrease In Serum Bicarbonate
In a study of concomitant therapy of 10 mg dapagliflozin with exenatide extended-release (on a background of metformin), four patients (1.7%) on concomitant therapy had a serum bicarbonate value of less than or equal to 13 mEq/L compared to one each (0.4%) in the dapagliflozin and exenatide-extended release treatment groups [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Vitamin B12 Concentrations
Metformin
In clinical trials of metformin of 29-week duration, a decrease to subnormal levels of previously normal serum vitamin B12 levels was observed in approximately 7% of patients.
Additional adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and metformin. Because the following 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.
Table 4: Clinically Relevant Interactions Affecting
Drugs Coadministered with QTERNMET XR
| Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A4/5 Enzymes | |
| Clinical Impact | Ketoconazole significantly increased saxagliptin exposure. Similar significant increases in plasma concentrations of saxagliptin are anticipated with other strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and telithromycin). |
| Intervention | Do not coadminister QTERNMET XR with strong cytochrome P450 3A4/5 inhibitors [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. |
| Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors | |
| Clinical Impact | Topiramate or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide, or dichlorphenamide) frequently causes a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. |
| Intervention | Concomitant use of these drugs with QTERNMET XR may increase the risk for lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring of these patients. |
| Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance | |
| Clinical Impact | Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2]/multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. |
| Intervention | Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use. |
| Alcohol | |
| Clinical Impact | Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. |
| Intervention | Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving QTERNMET XR. |
| Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin | |
| Clinical Impact | Dapagliflozin, and saxagliptin can individually increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or an insulin secretagogue. Hypoglycemia does not occur in patients receiving metformin alone under usual circumstances of use but could occur during concomitant use with other glucose-lowering agents (such as sulfonylureas and insulin). |
| Intervention | A lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be required to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia when these agents are used in combination with QTERNMET XR. |
| Drugs Affecting Glycemic Control | |
| Clinical Impact | Some medications can predispose to hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of glycemic control. These medications include the thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blockers, and isoniazid. |
| Intervention | When such drugs are administered to a patient or withdrawn from a patient receiving QTERNMET XR, the patient should be closely observed for loss of blood glucose control or hypoglycemia. |
| Positive Urine Glucose Test | |
| Clinical Impact | SGLT2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion and will lead to positive urine glucose tests. |
| Intervention | Monitoring glycemic control with urine glucose tests is not recommended in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control. |
| Interference with 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) Assay | |
| Clinical Impact | Measurements of 1,5-AG are unreliable in assessing glycemic control in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. |
| Intervention | Monitoring glycemic control with 1,5-AG assay is not recommended. Use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control. |
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
There have been post-marketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including fatal cases. These cases had a subtle onset and were accompanied by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, abdominal pain, respiratory distress or increased somnolence; however, hypothermia, hypotension and resistant bradyarrhythmias have occurred with severe acidosis.
Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate concentrations (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), and an increased lactate: pyruvate ratio; metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL. Metformin decreases liver uptake of lactate increasing lactate blood levels which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients at risk.
If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, general supportive measures should be instituted promptly in a hospital setting, along with immediate discontinuation of QTERNMET XR.
In QTERNMET XR-treated patients with a diagnosis or strong suspicion of lactic acidosis, prompt hemodialysis is recommended to correct the acidosis and remove accumulated metformin (metformin hydrochloride is dialyzable, with a clearance of up to 170 mL/minute under good hemodynamic conditions). Hemodialysis has often resulted in reversal of symptoms and recovery.
Educate patients and their families about the symptoms of lactic acidosis and if these symptoms occur instruct them to discontinue QTERNMET XR and report these symptoms to their healthcare provider.
For each of the known and possible risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis, recommendations to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis are provided below:
The postmarketing metformin-associated lactic acidosis cases primarily occurred in patients with significant renal impairment. The risk of metformin accumulation and metformin-associated lactic acidosis increases with the severity of renal impairment because metformin is substantially excreted by the kidney. Clinical recommendations [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY] based upon the patient's renal function include:
The concomitant use of QTERNMET XR with specific drugs may increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis: those that impair renal function, result in significant hemodynamic change, interfere with acid-base balance, or increase metformin accumulation (e.g., cationic drugs) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Therefore, consider more frequent monitoring of patients.
The risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis increases with the patient's age because elderly patients have a greater likelihood of having hepatic, renal or cardiac impairment than younger patients. Assess renal function more frequently in elderly patients [see Use In Specific Populations].
Administration of intravascular iodinated contrast agents in metformin-treated patients has led to an acute decrease in renal function and the occurrence of lactic acidosis. Stop QTERNMET XR at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with a history of hepatic impairment, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure, and restart QTERNMET XR if renal function is stable.
Withholding of food and fluids during surgical or other procedures may increase the risk for volume depletion, hypotension and renal impairment. QTERNMET XR should be temporarily discontinued while patients have restricted food and fluid intake.
Several of the postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis occurred in the setting of acute congestive heart failure (particularly when accompanied by hypoperfusion and hypoxemia). Cardiovascular collapse (shock), acute myocardial infarction, sepsis and other conditions associated with hypoxemia have been associated with lactic acidosis and may also cause prerenal azotemia. When such events occur, discontinue QTERNMET XR.
Alcohol potentiates the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism and this may increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis. Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving QTERNMET XR.
Patients with hepatic impairment have developed with cases of metforminassociated lactic acidosis. This may be due to impaired lactate clearance resulting in higher lactate blood levels. Therefore, avoid use of QTERNMET XR in patients with clinical or laboratory evidence of hepatic disease.
There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis in patients taking saxagliptin. In a cardiovascular outcomes trial enrolling participants with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or multiple risk factors for ASCVD (SAVOR trial), cases of definite acute pancreatitis were confirmed in 17 of 8240 (0.2%) patients receiving saxagliptin compared to 9 of 8173 (0.1%) receiving placebo. Pre-existing risk factors for pancreatitis were identified in 88% (15/17) of those patients receiving saxagliptin and in 100% (9/9) of those patients receiving placebo.
After initiation of QTERNMET XR, observe patients for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, promptly discontinue QTERNMET XR and initiate appropriate management. It is unknown whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis while using QTERNMET XR.
In a cardiovascular outcomes trial enrolling participants with established ASCVD or multiple risk factors for ASCVD (SAVOR trial), more patients randomized to saxagliptin (289/8280, 3.5%) were hospitalized for heart failure compared to patients randomized to placebo (228/8212, 2.8%). In a time-to-first-event analysis, the risk of hospitalization for heart failure was higher in the saxagliptin group (estimated Hazard Ratio: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.51). Subjects with a prior history of heart failure and subjects with renal impairment had a higher risk for hospitalization for heart failure, irrespective of treatment assignment.
Consider the risks and benefits of QTERNMET XR prior to initiating treatment in patients at a higher risk of heart failure. Observe patients for signs and symptoms of heart failure during therapy. Advise patients of the characteristic symptoms of heart failure and to immediately report such symptoms. If heart failure develops, evaluate and manage according to current standards of care and consider discontinuation of QTERNMET XR.
Dapagliflozin causes intravascular volume contraction. Symptomatic hypotension can occur after initiating QTERNMET XR [see ADVERSE REACTIONS] particularly in patients with impaired renal function (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²), elderly patients or patients on loop diuretics. Before initiating QTERNMET XR, volume status should be assessed and corrected. QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m². Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypotension after initiating therapy.
Reports of ketoacidosis, a serious life-threatening condition requiring urgent hospitalization, have been identified in postmarketing surveillance in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, including dapagliflozin. Fatal cases of ketoacidosis have been reported in patients taking dapagliflozin. QTERNMET XR is not indicated for the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus [see INDICATIONS AND USAGE].
Patients treated with QTERNMET XR who present with signs and symptoms consistent with severe metabolic acidosis should be assessed for ketoacidosis regardless of presenting blood glucose levels as ketoacidosis associated with QTERNMET XR may be present even if blood glucose levels are less than 250 mg/dL. If ketoacidosis is suspected, QTERNMET XR should be discontinued, the patient should be evaluated and prompt treatment should be instituted. Treatment of ketoacidosis may require insulin, fluid and carbohydrate replacement.
In many of the postmarketing reports for dapagliflozin, and particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes, the presence of ketoacidosis was not immediately recognized and the institution of treatment was delayed because the presenting blood glucose levels were below those typically expected for diabetic ketoacidosis (often less than 250 mg/dL). Signs and symptoms at presentation were consistent with dehydration and severe metabolic acidosis and included nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, generalized malaise, and shortness of breath. In some but not all cases, factors predisposing to ketoacidosis such as insulin dose reduction, acute febrile illness, reduced caloric intake due to illness or surgery, pancreatic disorders suggesting insulin deficiency (e.g., type 1 diabetes, history of pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery), and alcohol abuse were identified.
Before initiating QTERNMET XR, consider factors in the patient history that may predispose to ketoacidosis, including pancreatic insulin deficiency from any cause, caloric restriction and alcohol abuse. In patients treated with QTERNMET XR consider monitoring for ketoacidosis and temporarily discontinuing QTERNMET XR in clinical situations known to predispose to ketoacidosis (e.g., prolonged fasting due to acute illness or surgery) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Dapagliflozin causes intravascular volume contraction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] and can cause renal impairment [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury, some requiring hospitalization and dialysis, in patients receiving dapagliflozin; some reports involved patients younger than 65 years of age.
Before initiating QTERNMET XR, consider factors that may predispose patients to acute kidney injury including hypovolemia, chronic renal insufficiency, congestive heart failure and concomitant medications (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs and NSAIDs). Consider temporarily discontinuing QTERNMET XR in any setting of reduced oral intake (such as acute illness or fasting) or fluid losses (gastrointestinal illness or excessive heat exposure); monitor patients for signs and symptoms of acute kidney injury. If acute kidney injury occurs, discontinue QTERNMET XR promptly and institute treatment.
Dapagliflozin increases serum creatinine and decreases eGFR. Elderly patients and patients with impaired renal function may be more susceptible to these changes. Adverse reactions related to renal function can occur after initiating QTERNMET XR [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Renal function should be evaluated prior to initiation of QTERNMET XR and monitored periodically thereafter. QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m² [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, CONTRAINDICATIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
There have been postmarketing reports of serious urinary tract infections including urosepsis and pyelonephritis requiring hospitalization in patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin. Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors increases the risk for urinary tract infections. Evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections and treat promptly, if indicated [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Insulin and insulin secretagogues, such as sulfonylureas, are known to cause hypoglycemia. Dapagliflozin, and saxagliptin can individually increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or an insulin secretagogue. Hypoglycemia does not occur in patients receiving metformin alone under usual circumstances of use but could occur during concomitant use with other glucose-lowering agents. Therefore, a lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be required to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia when these agents are used in combination with QTERNMET XR [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Reports of necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene), a rare but serious and life-threatening necrotizing infection requiring urgent surgical intervention, have been identified in postmarketing surveillance in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin. Cases have been reported in females and males. Serious outcomes have included hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and death.
Patients treated with QTERNMET XR presenting with pain or tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, along with fever or malaise, should be assessed for necrotizing fasciitis. If suspected, start treatment immediately with broad-spectrum antibiotics and, if necessary, surgical debridement. Discontinue QTERNMET XR, closely monitor blood glucose levels, and provide appropriate alternative therapy for glycemic control.
There have been postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions in patients treated with saxagliptin. These reactions include anaphylaxis, angioedema and exfoliative skin conditions. Onset of these reactions occurred within the first 3 months after initiation of treatment with saxagliptin, with some reports occurring after the first dose. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, discontinue QTERNMET XR, treat per standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms are resolved. Assess for other potential causes for the event. Institute alternative treatment for diabetes.
Use caution in a patient with a history of angioedema to another dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to angioedema with saxagliptin.
In controlled clinical trials of metformin of 29-week duration, a decrease to subnormal levels of previously normal serum vitamin B12 levels, without clinical manifestations, was observed in approximately 7% of patients. This decrease, possibly due to interference with B12 absorption from the B12-intrinsic factor complex is, however, very rarely associated with anemia and appears to be rapidly reversible with discontinuation of metformin or vitamin B12 supplementation. Measurement of hematologic parameters on an annual basis is advised in patients on QTERNMET XR and any apparent abnormalities should be appropriately investigated and managed.
Certain individuals (those with inadequate vitamin B12 or calcium intake or absorption) appear to be predisposed to developing subnormal vitamin B12 levels. In these patients, routine serum vitamin B12 measurements at 2-to 3-year intervals may be useful.
Dapagliflozin increases the risks of genital mycotic infections. Patients with a history of genital mycotic infections were more likely to develop genital mycotic infections [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Monitor and treat appropriately.
Increases in LDL–C can occur with dapagliflozin [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Monitor LDL-C and treat per standard of care after initiating QTERNMET XR.
Across 22 clinical studies for dapagliflozin, newly diagnosed cases of bladder cancer were reported in 10/6045 patients (0.17%) treated with dapagliflozin and 1/3512 patient (0.03%) treated with placebo/comparator. After excluding patients in whom exposure to study drug was less than one year at the time of diagnosis of bladder cancer, there were 4 cases with dapagliflozin and no cases with placebo/comparator. Bladder cancer risk factors and hematuria (a potential indicator of pre-existing tumors) were balanced between treatment arms at baseline. There were too few cases to determine whether the emergence of these events is related to dapagliflozin.
There are insufficient data to determine whether dapagliflozin has an effect on pre-existing bladder tumors. Consequently, QTERNMET XR should not be used in patients with active bladder cancer. In patients with prior history of bladder cancer, the benefits of glycemic control versus unknown risks for cancer recurrence with QTERNMET XR should be considered.
There have been postmarketing reports of severe and disabling arthralgia in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. The time to onset of symptoms following initiation of drug therapy varied from one day to years. Patients experienced relief of symptoms upon discontinuation of the medication. A subset of patients experienced a recurrence of symptoms restarting the same drug or a different DPP-4 inhibitor. Consider DPP-4 inhibitors as a possible cause for severe joint pain and discontinue drug if appropriate [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Postmarketing cases of bullous pemphigoid requiring hospitalization have been reported with DPP-4 inhibitor use. In reported cases, patients typically recovered with topical or systemic immunosuppressive treatment and discontinuation of the DPP-4 inhibitor. Tell patients to report development of blisters or erosions while receiving QTERNMET XR. If bullous pemphigoid is suspected, QTERNMET XR should be discontinued and referral to a dermatologist should be considered for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with QTERNMET XR.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
No animal studies have been conducted with the combined products in QTERNMET XR to evaluate carcinogenesis, mutagenesis or impairment of fertility. The following data are based on the findings in the studies with dapagliflozin and saxagliptin individually.
Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenicity was evaluated in 2-year studies conducted in CD-1 mice and Sprague-Dawley rats. Dapagliflozin did not increase the incidence of tumors in mice dosed orally at 5, 15, and 40 mg/kg/day in males and 2, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day in females (exposure less than or equal to 72-times (males) and 105-times (females) the 10 mg/day clinical dose, based on AUC). Dapagliflozin did not increase the incidence of tumors in rats (both males and females) dosed orally at 0.5, 2, and 10 mg/kg/day (exposure less than or equal to 131-times (males) and 186-times (females) the clinical dose of 10 mg/day, based on AUC).
Mutagenesis
Dapagliflozin was not mutagenic with or without metabolic activation in the Ames assay. Dapagliflozin was mutagenic in a series of in vitro clastogenicity assays at concentrations greater than or equal to 100 micrograms per mL but not without metabolic activation. Dapagliflozin was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a series of in vivo studies evaluating micronuclei or DNA repair in rats at exposure multiples greater than 2100-times the clinical dose.
Impairment Of Fertility
Dapagliflozin had no effects on the ability of rats to mate and sire, maintain a litter, or early embryonic development at exposure multiples less than or equal to 1708-and 998-times the maximum recommended human doses of 10 mg/day (based on AUC) in males and females, respectively.
Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenicity was evaluated in 2-year studies conducted in CD-1 mice and Sprague-Dawley rats. Saxagliptin did not increase the incidence of tumors in mice dosed orally at 50, 250, and 600 mg/kg up to 870-times (males) and 1165-times (females) the 5 mg/day clinical dose, based on AUC. Saxagliptin did not increase the incidence of tumors in rats dosed orally at 25, 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg up to 355-times (males) and 2217-times (females) the 5 mg/day clinical dose, based on AUC.
Mutagenesis
Saxagliptin was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a battery of genotoxicity tests (Ames bacterial mutagenesis, human and rat lymphocyte cytogenetics, rat bone marrow micronucleus and DNA repair assays). The active metabolite of saxagliptin was not mutagenic in an Ames bacterial assay.
Impairment Of Fertility
Saxagliptin administered to rats had no effect on fertility or the ability to maintain a litter at exposures up to 603-times and 776-times the 5 mg clinical dose in males and females, based on AUC.
Carcinogenesis
Long-term carcinogenicity studies have been performed in rats (dosing duration of 104 weeks) and mice (dosing duration of 91 weeks) at doses up to and including 900 mg/kg/day and 1500 mg/kg/day, respectively. These doses are both approximately 4 times the maximum recommended human daily dose of 2000 mg based on body surface area comparisons. No evidence of carcinogenicity with metformin was found in either male or female mice. Similarly, there was no tumorigenic potential observed with metformin in male rats. There was, however, an increased incidence of benign stromal uterine polyps in female rats treated with 900 mg/kg/day.
Mutagenesis
There was no evidence of a mutagenic potential of metformin in the following in vitro tests: Ames test (S. typhimurium), gene mutation test (mouse lymphoma cells), or chromosomal aberrations test (human lymphocytes). Results in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test were also negative.
Impairment Of Fertility
Fertility of male or female rats was unaffected by metformin when administered at doses as high as 600 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 3-times the maximum recommended human daily dose based on body surface area comparisons.
Based on animal data showing adverse renal effects, from dapagliflozin, QTERNMET XR is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
The limited available data with QTERNMET XR or components (dapagliflozin and saxagliptin) in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or 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]. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations].
In animal studies, adverse renal pelvic and tubular dilatations, that were not fully reversible, were observed in rats when dapagliflozin (a component of QTERNMET XR) was administered during a period of renal development corresponding to the late second and third trimesters of human pregnancy, at all doses tested; the lowest of which provided an exposure 15-times the 10 mg clinical dose [see Data].
No adverse developmental effects were observed when saxagliptin was administered to pregnant rats and rabbits [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.
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 and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity.
Human Data
Metformin
Published data from post-marketing studies have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when metformin was used during pregnancy. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any metformin-associated risk because of methodological limitations, including small sample size and inconsistent comparator groups.
Animal Data
Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin dosed directly to juvenile rats from postnatal day (PND) 21 until PND 90 at doses of 1, 15, or 75 mg/kg/day, increased kidney weights and increased the incidence of renal pelvic and tubular dilatations at all dose levels. Exposure at the lowest dose was 15-times the 10 mg clinical dose (based on AUC). The renal pelvic and tubular dilatations observed in juvenile animals did not fully reverse within a 1-month recovery period.
In a prenatal and postnatal development study, dapagliflozin was administered to maternal rats from gestation Day 6 through lactation Day 21 at doses of 1, 15, or 75 mg/kg/day, and pups were indirectly exposed in utero and throughout lactation. Increased incidence or severity of renal pelvic dilatation was observed in 21-day-old pup offspring of treated dams at 75 mg/kg/day (maternal and pup dapagliflozin exposures were 1415-times and 137-times, respectively, the human values at the 10 mg clinical dose, based on AUC). Dose-related reductions in pup body weights were observed at greater than or equal to 29 times the 10 mg clinical dose (based on AUC). No adverse effects on developmental endpoints were noted at 1 mg/kg/day (19-times the 10 mg clinical dose, based on AUC). These outcomes occurred with drug exposure during periods of renal development in rats that corresponds to the late second and third trimester of human development.
In embryo-fetal development studies in rats and rabbits, dapagliflozin was administered throughout organogenesis, corresponding to the first trimester of human pregnancy. In rats, dapagliflozin was neither embryolethal nor teratogenic at doses up to 75 mg/kg/day (1441-times the 10 mg clinical dose, based on AUC). Dose related effects on the rat fetus (structural abnormalities and reduced body weight) occurred only at higher dosages, equal to or greater than 150 mg/kg (more than 2344-times the 10 mg clinical dose, based on AUC), which were associated with maternal toxicity. No developmental toxicities were observed in rabbits at doses up to 180 mg/kg/day (1191-times the 10 mg clinical dose, based on AUC).
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.
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
Metformin was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits at doses up to 600 mg/kg/day. This represents an exposure of about 2 and 6 times the maximum recommended human daily dose of 2000 mg based on body surface area comparisons for rats and rabbits, respectively. Determination of fetal concentrations demonstrated a partial placental barrier to metformin.
There is limited information regarding the presence of QTERNMET XR or its components (dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and metformin) 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].
Dapagliflozin and saxagliptin are present in the milk of lactating rats [see Data]. However, due to species specific differences in lactation physiology, the clinical relevance of these data is not clear. Since human kidney maturation occurs in utero and during the first 2 years of life when lactational exposure may occur, there may be risk to the developing human kidney. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, advise women that use of QTERNMET XR is not recommended while breastfeeding.
Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin was present at a milk/plasma ratio of 0.49, indicating that dapagliflozin and its metabolites are transferred into milk at a concentration that is approximately 50% of that in maternal plasma. Juvenile rats directly exposed to dapagliflozin showed a risk to the developing kidney (renal pelvic and tubular dilatations) during maturation.
Saxagliptin
Saxagliptin is secreted in the milk of lactating rats at approximately a 1:1 ratio with plasma drug concentrations.
Metformin Hydrochloride
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.
Discuss the potential for unintended pregnancy with premenopausal women as therapy with metformin may result in ovulation in some anovulatory women.
Safety and effectiveness of QTERNMET XR in patients under 18 years of age have not been established.
Because metformin is eliminated by the kidney and because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, more frequent assessment of renal function is recommended in elderly patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
A total of 1424 (24%) of the 5936 dapagliflozin-treated patients were 65 years and older and 207 (3.5%) patients were 75 years and older in a pool of 21 double-blind, controlled, clinical safety and efficacy studies of dapagliflozin. After controlling for level of renal function (eGFR), in clinical studies with dapagliflozin, efficacy was similar for patients under age 65 years and those 65 years and older. In patients 65 years and older, a higher proportion of patients treated with dapagliflozin had adverse reactions related to volume depletion and renal impairment or failure compared to patients treated with placebo [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In the seven, double-blind, controlled clinical safety and efficacy trials of saxagliptin, a total of 4751 (42.0%) of the 11,301 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.
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, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m²), ESRD, or on dialysis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In clinical studies dapagliflozin was associated with increases in serum creatinine and decreases in eGFR [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Dapagliflozin was evaluated in a study that included patients with moderate renal impairment (an eGFR of 45 to less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m²). The safety profile of dapagliflozin in the study of patients with an eGFR of 45 to less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² was similar to the general population of patients with type 2 diabetes. Although patients in the dapagliflozin arm had reduction in eGFR compared to the placebo arm, eGFR generally returned towards baseline after treatment discontinuation.
Metformin is substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis increases with the degree of renal impairment.
Use of metformin in patients with hepatic impairment has been associated with some cases of lactic acidosis. QTERNMET XR is not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
In the event of an overdose, contact the Poison Control Center. Appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated as dictated by the patient's clinical status.
The removal of dapagliflozin by hemodialysis has not been studied. Saxagliptin and its major metabolite can be removed by hemodialysis (23% of dose over 4 hours). Overdose of metformin has occurred, including ingestion of amounts greater than 50 grams. Hypoglycemia was reported in approximately 10% of cases, but no causal association with metformin has been established. Lactic acidosis has been reported in approximately 32% of metformin overdose cases [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Metformin is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions. Therefore, hemodialysis may be useful for removal of accumulated drug from patients in whom metformin overdosage is suspected.
QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with:
QTERNMET XR contains: dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, saxagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and metformin hydrochloride, a biguanide.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), expressed in the proximal renal tubules, is responsible for the majority of the reabsorption of filtered glucose from the tubular lumen. Dapagliflozin is an inhibitor of SGLT2. By inhibiting SGLT2, dapagliflozin reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose and lowers the renal threshold for glucose and thereby increases urinary glucose excretion.
Increased concentrations of the incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are released into the bloodstream from the small intestine in response to meals. These hormones cause insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner but are inactivated by the DPP-4 enzyme within minutes. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, reducing hepatic glucose production. In patients with type 2 diabetes, concentrations of GLP-1 are reduced but the insulin response to GLP-1 is preserved. Saxagliptin is a competitive DPP-4 inhibitor that slows the inactivation of the incretin hormones, thereby increasing their bloodstream concentrations and reducing fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in a glucose-dependent manner in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Metformin improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. With metformin therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may actually decrease.
Increases in the amount of glucose excreted in the urine were observed in healthy subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus following the administration of dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin dose of 5 or 10 mg per day in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for 12 weeks resulted in excretion of approximately 70 grams of glucose in the urine per day at Week 12. A near maximum glucose excretion was observed at the dapagliflozin daily dose of 20 mg. This urinary glucose excretion with dapagliflozin also results in increases in urinary volume [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Figure 1: Scatter Plot and Fitted Line of Change from
Baseline in 24-Hour Urinary Glucose Amount versus Dapagliflozin Dose in Healthy
Subjects and Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (Semi-Log Plot)
 |
In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, administration of saxagliptin inhibits DPP-4 enzyme activity for a 24-hour period. After an oral glucose load or a meal, this DPP-4 inhibition resulted in a 2-to 3-fold increase in circulating levels of active GLP-1 and GIP, decreased glucagon concentrations, and increased glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. The rise in insulin and decrease in glucagon were associated with lower fasting glucose concentrations and reduced glucose excursion following an oral glucose load or a meal.
Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin was not associated with clinically meaningful prolongation of QTc interval at daily doses up to 150 mg (15 times the recommended maximum dose) in a study of healthy subjects. In addition, no clinically meaningful effect on QTc interval was observed following single doses of up to 500 mg (50 times the recommended maximum daily dose) of dapagliflozin in healthy subjects.
Saxagliptin
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-way crossover, active comparator study using moxifloxacin in 40 healthy subjects, saxagliptin was not associated with clinically meaningful prolongation of the QTc interval or heart rate at daily doses up to 40 mg (8 times the recommended maximum daily dose).
Overall, the pharmacokinetics of dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and metformin were not affected in a clinically relevant manner when administered as QTERNMET XR.
The pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite, 5-hydroxy saxagliptin, were similar in healthy subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Cmax and AUC values of saxagliptin and its active metabolite increased proportionally in the 2.5 to 400 mg dose range. Following a 5 mg single oral dose of saxagliptin to healthy subjects, the mean plasma AUC values for saxagliptin and its active metabolite were 78 ng•h/mL and 214 ng•h/mL, respectively. The corresponding plasma Cmax values were 24 ng/mL and 47 ng/mL, respectively. The average variability (%CV) for AUC and Cmax for both saxagliptin and its active metabolite was less than 25%.
No appreciable accumulation of either saxagliptin or its active metabolite was observed with repeated once daily dosing at any dose level. No dose-and time-dependence were observed in the clearance of saxagliptin and its active metabolite over 14 days of once daily dosing with saxagliptin at doses ranging from 2.5 to 400 mg.
Dapagliflozin
Following oral administration of dapagliflozin, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) is usually attained within 2 hours under fasting state. The Cmax and AUC values increase dose proportionally with increase in dapagliflozin dose in the therapeutic dose range. The absolute oral bioavailability of dapagliflozin following the administration of a 10 mg dose is 78%. Administration of QTERNMET XR with a standard meal decreases dapagliflozin Cmax by up to 39% and prolongs Tmax by up to 2 hours, but food does not alter AUC as compared with the fasted state.
Saxagliptin
The median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) following the 5 mg once daily dose was up to 2 hours for saxagliptin and 4 hours for its active metabolite. Administration of QTERNMET XR with a standard meal resulted in an increase in Tmax of saxagliptin by up to 1.5 h and an up to 16% decrease in saxagliptin Cmax as compared to fasted conditions. There was an up to 10% increase in the AUC of saxagliptin when given with a meal as compared to fasted conditions.
Metformin HCl
Administration of QTERNMET XR with a standard meal resulted in an increase in Tmax of metformin by 2 h and no effect on metformin Cmax as compared to fasted conditions. There was an up to 15% increase in the AUC of saxagliptin when given with a meal as compared to fasted conditions. Both high and low-fat meals had the same effect on the pharmacokinetics of metformin extended-release.
Peak plasma levels of metformin extended-release tablets are approximately 20% lower compared to the same dose of metformin immediate-release tablets, however, the extent of absorption (as measured by AUC) is similar between extended-release tablets and immediate-release tablets.
At steady state, the AUC and Cmax are less than dose proportional for metformin extended-release within the range of 500 to 2000 mg. After repeated administration of metformin extended-release, metformin did not accumulate in plasma.
Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin is approximately 91% protein bound. Protein binding is not altered in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
Saxagliptin
The in vitro protein binding of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in human serum is negligible. Therefore, changes in blood protein levels in various disease states (e.g., renal or hepatic impairment) are not expected to alter the disposition of saxagliptin.
Metformin HCl
Distribution studies with extended-release metformin have not been conducted; however, the apparent volume of distribution (V/F) of metformin following single oral doses of immediate-release metformin 850 mg averaged 654 ± 358 L. Metformin is negligibly bound to plasma proteins. Metformin partitions into erythrocytes, most likely as a function of time.
Dapagliflozin
The metabolism of dapagliflozin is primarily mediated by UGT1A9; CYP-mediated metabolism is a minor clearance pathway in humans. Dapagliflozin is extensively metabolized, primarily to yield dapagliflozin 3-O-glucuronide, which is an inactive metabolite. Dapagliflozin 3-O-glucuronide accounted for 61% of a 50 mg [14C]-dapagliflozin dose and is the predominant drug-related component in human plasma.
Saxagliptin
The metabolism of saxagliptin is primarily mediated by cytochrome P450 3A4/5 (CYP3A4/5). The major metabolite of saxagliptin is also a DPP-4 inhibitor, which is one-half as potent as saxagliptin. Therefore, strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors and inducers will alter the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Metformin HCl
Intravenous single-dose studies in healthy subjects demonstrate that metformin is excreted unchanged in the urine and does not undergo hepatic metabolism (no metabolites have been identified in humans) or biliary excretion.
Metabolism studies with extended-release metformin tablets have not been conducted.
Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin and related metabolites are primarily eliminated via the renal pathway. Following a single 50 mg dose of [14C]-dapagliflozin, 75% and 21% total radioactivity is excreted in urine and feces, respectively. In urine, less than 2% of the dose is excreted as parent drug. In feces, approximately 15% of the dose is excreted as parent drug. The mean plasma terminal half-life (t½) for dapagliflozin is approximately 12.9 hours following a single oral dose of dapagliflozin 10 mg.
Saxagliptin
Saxagliptin is eliminated by both renal and hepatic pathways. Following a single 50 mg dose of [14C]-saxagliptin, 24%, 36%, and 75% of the dose was excreted in the urine as saxagliptin, its active metabolite, and total radioactivity, respectively. The average renal clearance of saxagliptin (~230 mL/min) was greater than the average estimated glomerular filtration rate (~120 mL/min), suggesting some active renal excretion. A total of 22% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in feces representing the fraction of the saxagliptin dose excreted in bile and/or unabsorbed drug from the gastrointestinal tract. Following a single oral dose of saxagliptin 5 mg to healthy subjects, the mean plasma terminal half-life (t½) for saxagliptin and its active metabolite was 2.5 and 3.1 hours, respectively.
Metformin HCl
Renal clearance is approximately 3.5 times greater than creatinine clearance, which indicates that tubular secretion is the major route of metformin elimination. Following oral administration, approximately 90% of the absorbed drug is eliminated via the renal route within the first 24 hours, with a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 6.2 hours. In blood, the elimination half-life is approximately 17.6 hours, suggesting that the erythrocyte mass may be a compartment of distribution.
Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, age, gender, race, and body weight do not have a clinically meaningful effect on the pharmacokinetics of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin.
Dapagliflozin
At steady state (20 mg once daily dapagliflozin for 7 days), patients with type 2 diabetes with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment (as determined by eGFR) had geometric mean systemic exposures of dapagliflozin that were 45%, 2.04-fold, and 3.03-fold higher, respectively, as compared to patients with type 2 diabetes with normal renal function. Higher systemic exposure of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with renal impairment did not result in a correspondingly higher 24-hour urinary glucose excretion. The steady-state 24-hour urinary glucose excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and mild, moderate and severe renal impairment was 42%, 80% and 90% lower, respectively, than patients with type 2 diabetes with normal renal function. The impact of hemodialysis on dapagliflozin exposure is not known [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Saxagliptin
A single-dose, open-label study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin (10 mg dose) in subjects with varying degrees of chronic renal impairment compared to subjects with normal renal function. The 10 mg dosage is not an approved dosage. The degree of renal impairment did not affect Cmax of saxagliptin or its metabolite. In subjects with moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30 to less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m²), severe renal impairment (eGFR 15 to less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) and ESRD patient on hemodialysis, the AUC values of saxagliptin or its active metabolite were >2 fold higher than AUC values in subjects with normal renal function. QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m², ESRD, or on dialysis.
Metformin HCl
In patients with decreased renal function, the plasma and blood half-life of metformin is prolonged and the renal clearance is decreased [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Dapagliflozin
In subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classes A and B), mean Cmax and AUC of dapagliflozin were up to 12% and 36% higher, respectively, as compared to healthy matched control subjects following single-dose administration of 10 mg dapagliflozin. These differences were not considered to be clinically meaningful. In patients with severe hepatic impairment  (Child-Pugh class C), mean Cmax and AUC of dapagliflozin were up to 40% and 67% higher, respectively, as compared to healthy matched controls.
Saxagliptin
In subjects with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C), mean Cmax and AUC of saxagliptin were up to 8% and 77% higher, respectively, compared to healthy matched controls following administration of a single 10 mg dose of saxagliptin. The 10 mg dosage is not an approved dosage. The corresponding Cmax and AUC of the active metabolite were up to 59% and 33% lower, respectively, compared to healthy matched controls. These differences are not considered to be clinically meaningful.
Metformin HCl
No pharmacokinetic studies of metformin have been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Pharmacokinetics of QTERNMET XR in the pediatric population has not been studied.
Specific pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies with QTERNMET XR have not been performed although such studies have been conducted with the individual dapagliflozin, saxagliptin and metformin components.
In Vitro Assessment Of Drug Interactions
The metabolism of dapagliflozin is primarily via glucuronide conjugation mediated by UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1A9 (UGT1A9).
In in vitro studies, dapagliflozin and dapagliflozin 3-O-glucuronide neither inhibited CYP 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, or 3A4, nor induced CYP 1A2, 2B6, or 3A4. Dapagliflozin is a weak substrate of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) active transporter, and dapagliflozin 3-O-glucuronide is a substrate for the OAT3 active transporter. Dapagliflozin or dapagliflozin 3-O-glucuronide did not meaningfully inhibit P-gp, OCT2, OAT1, or OAT3 active transporters. Overall, dapagliflozin is unlikely to affect the pharmacokinetics of concurrently administered medications that are P-gp, OCT2, OAT1, or OAT3 substrates.
Effects Of Other Drugs On Dapagliflozin
Table 5 shows the effect of coadministered drugs on the pharmacokinetics of dapagliflozin.
Table 5: Effects of Coadministered Drugs on
Dapagliflozin Systemic Exposure
| Coadministered Drug (Dose Regimen)* | Dapagliflozin (Dose Regimen)* | Dapagliflozin | |
| Change† in AUC‡ | Change† in Cmax | ||
| Oral Antidiabetic Agents | |||
| Metformin (1000 mg) | 20 mg | ↓1% | ↓7% |
| Pioglitazone (45 mg) | 50 mg | 0% | ↑9% |
| Sitagliptin (100 mg) | 20 mg | ↑8% | ↓4% |
| Glimepiride (4 mg) | 20 mg | ↓1% | ↑1% |
| Voglibose (0.2 mg three times daily) | 10 mg | ↑1% | ↑4% |
| Saxagliptin (5 mg single dose) | 10 mg (single dose) | ↓2% | ↓6% |
| Cardiovascular Agents | |||
| Hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) | 50 mg | ↑7% | ↓1% |
| Bumetanide (1 mg) | 10 mg once daily for 7 days | ↑5% | ↑8% |
| Valsartan (320 mg) | 20 mg | ↑2% | ↓12% |
| Simvastatin (40 mg) | 20 mg | ↓1% | ↓2% |
| Anti-infective Agent | |||
| Rifampin (600 mg once daily for 6 days) | 10 mg | ↓22% | ↓7% |
| Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agent | |||
| Mefenamic Acid (loading dose of 500 mg followed by 14 doses of 250 mg every 6 hours) | 10 mg | ↑51% | ↑13% |
| *Single dose unless otherwise noted. † Percent change (with/without coadministered drug and no change=0%); ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively. ‡AUC=AUC(INF) for drugs given as single dose and AUC=AUC(TAU) for drugs given in multiple doses. |
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Table 6 shows the effect of dapagliflozin on other coadministered drugs. Dapagliflozin did not meaningfully affect the pharmacokinetics of the coadministered drugs.
Table 6: Effects of Dapagliflozin on the Systemic
Exposures of Coadministered Drugs
| Coadministered Drug (Dose Regimen)* | Dapagliflozin (Dose Regimen)* | Coadministered Drug | |
| Change† in AUC‡ | Change† in Cmax | ||
| Oral Antidiabetic Agents | |||
| Metformin (1000 mg) | 20 mg | 0% | ↓5% |
| Pioglitazone (45 mg) | 50 mg | 0% | ↓7% |
| Sitagliptin (100 mg) | 20 mg | ↑1% | ↓11% |
| Glimepiride (4 mg) | 20 mg | ↑13% | ↑4% |
| Cardiovascular Agents | |||
| Hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) | 50 mg | ↓1% | ↓5% |
| Bumetanide (1 mg) | 10 mg once daily for 7 days | ↑13% | ↑13% |
| Valsartan (320 mg) | 20 mg | ↑5% | ↓6% |
| Simvastatin (40 mg) | 20 mg | ↑19% | ↓6% |
| Digoxin (0.25 mg) | 20 mg loading dose then 10 mg once daily for 7 days | 0% | ↓1% |
| Warfarin (25 mg) S-warfarin | 20 mg loading dose then 10 mg once | ↑3% | ↑7% |
| R-warfarin | daily for 7 days | ↑6% | ↑8% |
| * Single dose unless otherwise noted. † Percent change (with/without coadministered drug and no change=0%); ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively. ‡ AUC=AUC(INF) for drugs given as single dose and AUC=AUC(TAU) for drugs given in multiple doses. |
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In Vitro Assessment Of Drug Interactions
The metabolism of saxagliptin is primarily mediated by CYP3A4/5.
In in vitro studies, saxagliptin and its active metabolite did not inhibit CYP1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, or 3A4, or induce CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, or 3A4. Therefore, saxagliptin is not expected to alter the metabolic clearance of coadministered drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes. Saxagliptin is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate but is not a significant inhibitor or inducer of P-gp.
Effects Of Other Drugs On Saxagliptin And Its Active Metabolite, 5-hydroxy Saxagliptin
Table 7: Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Systemic
Exposures of Saxagliptin and its Active Metabolite, 5-hydroxy Saxagliptin
| Co- administered Drug | Dosage of Coadministered Drug* | Dosage of Saxagliptin* | Saxagliptin | ||
| Change† in AUC‡ | Change† in Cmax | ||||
| Metformin | 1000 mg | 100 mg | saxagliptin | ↓2% | ↓21% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ↓1% | ↓12% | |||
| Glyburide | 5 mg | 10 mg | saxagliptin | ↓2% | ↑8% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ND | ND | |||
| Pioglitazone§ | 45 mg QD for 10days | 10 mg QD for 5 days | saxagliptin | ↑11% | ↑11% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ND | ND | |||
| Dapagliflozin | 10 mg single dose | 5 mg single dose | saxagliptin | ↓1% | ↓7% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ↑9% | ↑6% | |||
| Digoxin | 0.25 mg q6h first day followed by q12h second day followed by QD for 5 days | 10 mg QD for 7 days | saxagliptin | ↑5% | ↓1% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ↑6% | ↑2% | |||
| Simvastatin | 40 mg QD for 8days | 10 mg QD for 4 days | saxagliptin | ↑12% | ↑21% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ↑2% | ↑8% | |||
| Diltiazem | 360 mg LA QD for 9 days | 10 mg | saxagliptin | ↑109% | ↑63% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ↓34% | ↓43% | |||
| Rifampin¶ | 600 mg QD for 6 days | 5 mg | saxagliptin | ↓76% | ↓53% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ↑3% | ↑39% | |||
| Omeprazole | 40 mg QD for 5 days | 10 mg | saxagliptin | ↑13% | ↑2% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ND | ND | |||
| Aluminum hydroxide + magnesium hydroxide + simethicone | aluminum hydroxide: 2400 mg magnesium hydroxide: 2400 mg simethicone: 240 mg | 10 mg | saxagliptin | ↓3% | ↓26% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ND | ND | |||
| Famotidine | 40 mg | 10 mg | saxagliptin | ↑3% | ↑14% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ND | ND | |||
| Saxagliptin coadministered with strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]: | |||||
| Ketoconazole | 200 mg BID for 9 days | 100 mg | saxagliptin | ↑145% | ↑62% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ↓88% | ↓95% | |||
| Ketoconazole | 200 mg BID for 7 days | 20 mg | saxagliptin | ↑267% | ↑144% |
| 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ND | ND | |||
| ND=not determined; QD=once daily; q6h=every 6 hours;
q12h=every 12 hours; BID=twice daily; LA=long acting. * Single dose unless otherwise noted. † Percent change (with/without coadministered drug and no change=0%); ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively. ‡ AUC=AUC(INF) for drugs given as single dose and AUC=AUC(TAU) for drugs given in multiple doses. § Results exclude one subject. ¶ The plasma dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) activity inhibition over a 24-hour dose interval was not affected by rifampin. |
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Table 8: Effect of Saxagliptin on Systemic Exposures
of Coadministered Drugs
| Coadministered Drug | Dosage of Coadministered Drug* | Dosage of Saxagliptin* | Coadministered Drug | ||
| Change†in AUC‡ | Change† in Cmax | ||||
| Metformin | 1000 mg | 100 mg | metformin | ↑20% | ↑9% |
| Glyburide | 5 mg | 10 mg | glyburide | ↑6% | ↑16% |
| Pioglitazone§ | 45 mg QD for 10 days | 10 mg QD for 5 days | pioglitazone hydroxy-pioglitaz one | ↑8% | ↑14% |
| ND | ND | ||||
| Digoxin | 0.25 mg q6h first day followed by q12h second day followed by QD for 5 days | 10 mg QD for 7 days | digoxin | ↑6% | ↑9% |
| Simvastatin | 40 mg QD for 8 days | 10 mg QD for 4 days | simvastatin | ↑4% | ↓12% |
| simvastatin acid | ↑16% | 0% | |||
| Diltiazem | 360 mg LA QD for 9 days | 10 mg | diltiazem | ↑10% | ↑16% |
| Ketoconazole | 200 mg BID for 9 days | 100 mg | ketoconazole | ↓13% | ↓16% |
| Ethinyl estradiol and Norgestimate | ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg and norgestimate 0.250 mg for 21 days | 5 mg QD for 21 days | ethinyl estradiol norelgestromin norgestrel | ↑7% | ↓2% |
| ↑10% | ↑9% | ||||
| ↑13% | ↑17% | ||||
| ND=not determined; QD=once daily; q6h=every 6 hours;
q12h=every 12 hours; BID=twice daily; LA=long acting. * Single dose unless otherwise noted. † Percent change (with/without coadministered drug and no change=0%); ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively. ‡ AUC=AUC(INF) for drugs given as single dose and AUC=AUC(TAU) for drugs given in multiple doses. § Results include all subjects. |
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Effects Of Other Drugs On Metformin
Table 9: Effect of Coadministered Drug on Plasma
Metformin Systemic Exposure
| Coadministered Drug | Dose of Coadministered Drug* | Dose of Metformin* | Metformin | |
| Change† in AUC‡ | Change† in Cmax | |||
| Glyburide | 5 mg | 850 mg | ↓9%§ | ↓7%§ |
| Furosemide | 40 mg | 850 mg | ↑15%§ | ↑22%§ |
| Nifedipine | 10 mg | 850 mg | ↑9% | ↑20% |
| Propranolol | 40 mg | 850 mg | ↓10% | ↓6% |
| Ibuprofen | 400 mg | 850 mg | ↑5%§ | ↑7%§ |
| Drugs eliminated by renal tubular secretion may increase the accumulation of metformin [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. | ||||
| Cimetidine | 400 mg | 850 mg | ↑40% | ↑60% |
| * All metformin and coadministered drugs were given as
single doses. † Percent change (with/without coadministered drug and no change=0%); ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively. ‡ AUC=AUC(INF). § Ratio of arithmetic means. |
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Table 10: Effect of Metformin on Coadministered Drug
Systemic Exposure
| Coadministered Drug | Dose of Coadministered Drug* | Dose of Metformin* | Coadministered Drug | |
| Change† in AUC‡ | Change† in Cmax | |||
| Glyburide | 5 mg | 850 mg | ↓22%§ | ↓37%§ |
| Furosemide | 40 mg | 850 mg | ↓12%§ | ↓31%§ |
| Nifedipine | 10 mg | 850 mg | ↑10%¶ | ↑8% |
| Propranolol | 40 mg | 850 mg | ↑1%¶ | ↑2% |
| Ibuprofen | 400 mg | 850 mg | ↓3%# | ↑1%# |
| Cimetidine | 400 mg | 850 mg | ↓5%¶ | ↑1% |
| * All metformin and coadministered drugs were given as
single doses. † Percent change (with/without coadministered drug and no change=0%); ↑ and ↓ indicate the exposure increase and decrease, respectively. ‡ AUC=AUC(INF) unless otherwise noted. § Ratio of arithmetic means, p-value of difference <0.05. ¶ AUC(0-24 hr) reported. # Ratio of arithmetic means. |
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Saxagliptin produced adverse skin changes in the extremities of cynomolgus monkeys (scabs and/or ulceration of tail, digits, scrotum, and/or nose). Skin lesions were reversible within exposure approximately 20-times the 5 mg clinical dose, but in some cases were irreversible and necrotizing at higher exposures. Adverse skin changes were not observed at exposures similar to (1-to 3-times) the 5 mg clinical dose. Clinical correlates to skin lesions in monkeys have not been observed in human clinical trials of saxagliptin.
Dapagliflozin and saxagliptin plus metformin has been studied in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled on metformin in the following studies.
Treatment with dapagliflozin and saxagliptin and metformin (combination or add-on therapy) at all doses produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c compared to the active comparator or placebo study arms in combination with metformin.
Adult patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes participated in 2 active-controlled studies of 24-week duration to evaluate therapy with 5 mg dapagliflozin/5 mg saxagliptin or 10 mg dapagliflozin/5 mg saxagliptin combinations on a background of metformin.
One study was a 24-week randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel group study (NCT02681094) in T2DM patients with an HbA1c ≥7.5% and ≤10.0%. Patients were on a stable dose of metformin HCl (≥1500 mg per day) for at least 8 weeks prior to being randomized to one of three double-blind treatment groups to receive 5 mg dapagliflozin and 5 mg saxagliptin added to metformin, 5 mg saxagliptin and placebo added to metformin, or 5 mg dapagliflozin and placebo added to metformin.
At Week 24, concomitant addition of 5 mg dapagliflozin and 5 mg saxagliptin plus metformin resulted in statistically significant decreases in HbA1c, and a larger proportion of patients achieving the therapeutic glycemic goal of HbA1c <7%, compared to dapagliflozin plus metformin or saxagliptin plus metformin (see Table 11).
Table 11: HbA1c Results at Week 24 with the
Combination of 5 mg Dapagliflozin and 5 mg Saxagliptin plus Metformin*
| Efficacy Parameter | 5 mg Dapagliflozin and 5 mg Saxagliptin + Metformin | ||
| 5 mg Dapagliflozin and 5 mg Saxagliptin + Metformin | 5 mg Dapagliflozin + Metformin | 5 mg Saxagliptin + Metformin | |
| N† | 290 | 289 | 291 |
| Baseline (mean) | 8.1 | 8.2 | 8.3 |
| Change from baseline (adjusted mean) (95% CI) | -1.02 (-1.13, -0.90) |
-0.62 (-0.73, -0.51) |
-0.69 (-0.80, -0.59) |
| Difference from dapagliflozin + metformin (adjusted mean) (95% CI) | -0.40‡ (-0.55, -0.24) |
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| Difference from saxagliptin + metformin (adjusted mean) (95% CI) | -0.32‡ (-0.48, -0.17) |
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| Percent of patients achieving HbA1c <7% | 42.8 | 21.8§ | 28.5¶ |
| * Analysis of Covariance including all post-baseline data
regardless of rescue or treatment discontinuation. Model estimates calculated
using multiple imputation to model washout of the treatment effect using
control arm data for all subjects having missing Week 24 data. † The number of randomized subjects who took at least one dose of double-blind study medication and had a baseline value for HbA1c. ‡ p-value <0.0001. § p-value <0.0001 vs. dapagliflozin and saxagliptin plus metformin. ¶ p-value = 0.0018 vs. dapagliflozin and saxagliptin plus metformin. |
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The adjusted mean change from baseline for body weight at Week 24, using values regardless of rescue or treatment discontinuation, was -2.0 kg for the 5 mg dapagliflozin and 5 mg saxagliptin plus metformin group, -2.1 kg for the 5 mg dapagliflozin plus metformin group, and -0.4 kg for the 5 mg saxagliptin plus metformin group. The difference in mean body weight between the 5 mg dapagliflozin and 5 mg saxagliptin plus metformin group and the 5 mg dapagliflozin plus metformin group was -1.6 kg (95% CI [-2.1, -1.0]).
The second study was a 24-week randomized, double-blind, active comparator-controlled superiority study (NCT016060007) that compared once daily 10 mg dapagliflozin and 5 mg saxagliptin coadministered in combination with metformin XR with either 10 mg dapagliflozin and placebo added to metformin or 5 mg saxagliptin and placebo added to metformin in T2DM adult patients with inadequate glycemic control on metformin alone (HbA1c ≥8% and ≤12%).
At Week 24, concomitant addition of 10 mg dapagliflozin and 5 mg saxagliptin plus metformin resulted in statistically significant decreases in HbA1c, and a larger proportion of patients achieving an HbA1c <7%, compared to dapagliflozin plus metformin or saxagliptin plus metformin (see Table 12).
Table 12: HbA1c Results at Week 24 with the
Combination of 10 mg Dapagliflozin and 5 mg Saxagliptin plus Metformin*
| Efficacy Parameter | 10 mg Dapagliflozin and 5 mg Saxagliptin + Metformin | ||
| 10 mg Dapagliflozin and 5 mg Saxagliptin + Metformin | 10 mg Dapagliflozin + Metformin | 5 mg Saxagliptin + Metformin | |
| N† | 179 | 179 | 176 |
| Baseline (mean) | 8.9 | 8.9 | 9.0 |
| Change from baseline (adjusted mean) (95% CI) | -1.49 (-1.64, -1.34) |
-1.23 (-1.38, -1.08) |
-1.00 (-1.15, -0.85) |
| Difference from dapagliflozin + metformin (adjusted mean) (95% CI) | -0.26‡ (-0.47, -0.05) |
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| Difference from saxagliptin + metformin (adjusted mean) (95% CI) | −0.49§ (−0.70, −0.27) |
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| Percent of patients achieving HbA1c <7% | 40.22¶ | 21.22¶ | 16.52¶ |
| * Analysis of Covariance including all post-baseline data
regardless of rescue or treatment discontinuation. Model estimates calculated
using multiple imputation to model washout of the treatment effect using
control arm data for all subjects having missing Week 24 data. † The number of randomized subjects who took at least one dose of double-blind study medication and had a baseline value for HbA1c. ‡ p-value=0.0148. § p-value <0.0001. ¶ Not statistically significant based on the prespecified method for controlling type I error. |
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The adjusted mean change from baseline for body weight at Week 24, using values regardless of rescue or treatment discontinuation, was -2.0 kg for the 10 mg dapagliflozin and 5 mg saxagliptin plus metformin group, -2.3 kg for the 10 mg dapagliflozin plus metformin group, and 0 kg for the 5 mg saxagliptin plus metformin group.
A total of 315 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of saxagliptin added to dapagliflozin and metformin in patients with a baseline of HbA1c ≥7% to ≤10.5% (NCT01619059). The mean age of these subjects was 54.6 years, 1.6% were 75 years or older, and 52.7% were female. The population was 87.9% White, 6.3% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 1.6% Other race. At baseline the population had diabetes for an average of 7.7 years and a mean HbA1c of 7.9%. The mean eGFR at baseline was 93.4 mL/min/1.73 m². Patients were required to be on a stable dose of metformin (≥1500 mg per day) for at least 8 weeks prior to enrollment. Eligible subjects who completed the screening period entered the lead-in treatment period, which included 16 weeks of open-label metformin and 10 mg dapagliflozin treatment. Following the lead-in period, eligible patients were randomized to 5 mg saxagliptin (N=153) or placebo (N=162).
The group treated with add-on saxagliptin had statistically significant greater reductions in HbA1c from baseline versus the group treated with placebo (see Table 13).
Table 13: HbA1c Change from Baseline at Week 24 in a Placebo-Controlled
Trial of Saxagliptin as Add-on to Dapagliflozin and Metformin*
| Efficacy Parameter | 5 mg Saxagliptin (N=153)† |
Placebo (N=162)† |
| In combination with Dapagliflozin and Metformin | ||
| HbA1c (%) at week 24‡ | ||
| Baseline (mean) | 8.0 | 7.9 |
| Change from baseline (adjusted mean§) 95% Confidence Interval | -0.5 (-0.6, -0.4) | -0.2 (-0.3, -0.1) |
| Difference from placebo (adjusted mean) 95% Confidence Interval | -0.4¶ (-0.5, -0.2) | |
| Percent of patients achieving HbA1c <7% | 35.3 | 23.1 |
| * There were 6.5% (n=10) of randomized subjects in the
saxagliptin arm and 3.1% (n=5) in the placebo arm for whom change from baseline
HbA1c data was missing at Week 24. Of the subjects who discontinued study
medication early, 9.1% (1 of 11) in the saxagliptin arm and 16.7% (1 of 6) in
the placebo arm had HbA1c measured at Week 24. † N is the number of randomized and treated patients. ‡ Analysis of Covariance including all post-baseline data regardless of rescue or treatment discontinuation. Model estimates calculated using multiple imputation to model washout of the treatment effect using placebo data for all subjects having missing Week 24 data. § Least squares mean adjusted for baseline value. ¶ p-value <0.0001. |
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The cardiovascular risk of saxagliptin was evaluated in SAVOR (Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus -Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction), a multicenter, multinational, randomized, double-blind trial comparing saxagliptin (N=8280) to placebo  (N=8212), in adult patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Of the randomized study subjects, 97.5% completed the trial, and the median duration of follow-up was approximately 2 years (NCT01107886).
Subjects were at least 40 years of age, had HbA1c ≥6.5%, and multiple risk factors (21% of randomized subjects) for cardiovascular disease (age ≥55 years for men and ≥60 years for women plus at least one additional risk factor of dyslipidemia, hypertension, or current cigarette smoking) or established (79% of the randomized subjects) cardiovascular disease defined as a history of ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, or ischemic stroke. Overall, the use of diabetes medications was balanced across treatment groups (metformin 69%, insulin 41%, sulfonylureas 40%, and TZDs 6%). The use of cardiovascular disease medications was also balanced (angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs] 79%, statins 78%, aspirin 75%, beta-blockers 62%, and non-aspirin antiplatelet medications 24%).
The majority of subjects were male (67%) and Caucasian (75%) with a mean age of 65 years. Approximately 16% of the population had moderate (eGFR ≥30 to ≤50 mL/min/1.73 m²) to severe (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) renal impairment, and 13% had a prior history of heart failure. QTERNMET XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m². Subjects had a median duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus of approximately 10 years and a mean baseline HbA1c level of 8.0%.
The primary analysis in SAVOR was time to first occurrence of a Major Adverse Cardiac Event (MACE). A major adverse cardiac event in SAVOR was defined as a cardiovascular death or a nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or a nonfatal ischemic stroke. The incidence rate of MACE was similar in both treatment arms: 3.8 MACE per 100 patient-years on placebo vs. 3.8 MACE per 100 patient-years on saxagliptin with an estimated HR: 1.0; 95.1% CI: (0.89, 1.12). The upper bound of this confidence interval, 1.12, excluded a risk margin larger than 1.3.
Vital status was obtained for 99% of subjects in the trial. There were 798 deaths in the SAVOR trial. Numerically more patients (5.1%) died in the saxagliptin group than in the placebo group (4.6%). The risk of deaths from all-cause mortality was not statistically different between the treatment groups (HR: 1.11; 95.1% CI: 0.96, 1.27).
QTERNMET® XR
(CUE-turnmet)
(dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and metformin hydrochloride)
extended-release tablets, for oral use
What is the most important information I should know about QTERNMET XR?
Serious side effects can happen to people taking QTERNMET XR, including:
Most people who have had lactic acidosis with metformin have other things that, combined with the metformin use, led to the lactic acidosis. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following, because you have a higher chance for getting lactic acidosis with QTERNMET XR if you:
The best way to keep from having a problem with lactic acidosis from metformin is to tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the problems in the list above. Your healthcare provider may decide to stop your QTERNMET XR for a while if you have any of these problems.
Before you start taking QTERNMET XR, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
It is not known if having these medical problems will make you more likely to get pancreatitis with QTERNMET XR.
Stop taking QTERNMET 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.
Before you start taking QTERNMET XR, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had heart failure or have problems with your kidneys.
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
These may be symptoms of heart failure.
QTERNMET XR can have other serious side effects. See “What are the possible side effects of QTERNMET XR?”
What is QTERNMET XR?
QTERNMET XR is a prescription medicine that contains dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and metformin hydrochloride. QTERNMET XR is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Who should not take QTERNMET XR?
Do not take QTERNMET XR if you:
If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking QTERNMET XR and contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
Before taking QTERNMET XR, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
QTERNMET XR may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how QTERNMET XR works. Contact 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 QTERNMET XR might need to be changed.
How should I take QTERNMET XR?
What should I avoid while taking QTERNMET XR?
What are the possible side effects of QTERNMET XR?
QTERNMET XR may cause serious side effects, including:
If you get any of these symptoms during treatment with QTERNMET XR, if possible check for ketones in your urine, even if your blood sugar is less than 250 mg/dL.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what to do if you get symptoms of a yeast infection of the vagina or penis. Your healthcare provider may suggest you use an over-the-counter antifungal medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you use an over-the-counter antifungal medicine and your symptoms do not go away.
The most common side effects of QTERNMET XR include:
These are not all of the possible side effects of QTERNMET XR.
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store QTERNMET XR?
Store QTERNMET XR at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Keep QTERNMET XR and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of QTERNMET XR.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use QTERNMET XR for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give QTERNMET XR to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about QTERNMET XR that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in QTERNMET XR?
Active ingredients: dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and metformin hydrochloride
Inactive ingredients: carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, crospovidone, hypromellose 2208, iron oxides, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, macrogol/polyethylene glycol, silicon dioxide, talc, and titanium dioxide.
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
