FDA Warns of Link Between Saxagliptin and Alogliptin-Containing Diabetes Drugs and Heart Failure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a newly issued Safety Communication, the Food and Drug Administration has warned of a link between diabetes medications containing saxagliptin and alogliptin and heart failure, especially in patients who already have heart and kidney disease.

According to the April 5 communication, the agency is adding new warnings to the drug labels regarding the safety issue.

Saxagliptin and alogliptin are part of the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor drugs, which are used with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Those drugs are sold as Onglyza (saxagliptin), Kombiglyze XR …