Emerging use of combination therapies for the management of type 2 diabetes – focus on saxagliptin and dapagliflozin

AIMS The aim of this article is to review the safety and efficacy data of dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and their combination in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes. Evidence for the use of the single-tablet combination formulation is also presented. METHODS A nonsystematic literature review was performed using the Ovid, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS The addition of dapagliflozin/saxagliptin to metformin can lower mean hemoglobin A1c by as much as 1.47% and lead to weight loss of 0.5-2.0 kg. The risk of genital infections with combination therapy is lower than observed with dapagliflozin alone, suggestive of a protective effect. Adverse event risk at 52-week follow-up was not increased beyond that seen with either monotherapy. CONCLUSION Dapagliflozin/saxagliptin combination is generally well tolerated and is an effective tool in helping patients with diabetes improve glycemic control.