Onglyza Approved by FDA for Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

The FDA approved a new oral medication to treat type 2 diabetes. Onglyza (saxagliptin) is from the same class of drugs as Januvia, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) that has been on the market for two years. Onglyza is meant to be taken once daily, and works like Januvia does, by slowing digestion and stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.

According to a press release from the FDA, the most common side effects observed with Onglyza are upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and headache. Other side effects include allergic-like reactions such as rash and hives.