Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking saxagliptin

Saxagliptin and pregnancy

Saxagliptin is not recommended as there's not much information about its safety during pregnancy. Other medicines used to treat diabetes, such as insulin and metformin, are safe to use while pregnant.

If you are pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your doctor as they will need to review your treatment. They will be able to suggest a different medicine that is safer for you to take in pregnancy.

Saxagliptin and breastfeeding

Saxagliptin is not usually recommended while breastfeeding. We do not know how much saxagliptin passes into breast milk, but it is possible it could lower your baby's blood sugar level.

If you are breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor about what's best for you and your baby. They will need to review your treatment and may be able to suggest a different medicine for you, particularly if you're breastfeeding a newborn or premature baby.

If your doctor says it's OK to keep taking saxagliptin while breastfeeding, contact your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if:

• your baby is not feeding as well as usual
• your baby seems unusually sleepy or drowsy
• your baby seems unusually restless or irritable
• your baby is paler, or more sweaty, than usual
• your baby seems hungrier than usual
• your baby is peeing more
• you have any other concerns about your baby

Saxagliptin and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking saxagliptin reduces fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment.

For more information about how diabetes medicines can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.