Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Onglyza, and it helps treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar in two ways:

•	It helps your liver make less sugar, and
•	It helps your pancreas make more insulin 

Over time, healthy blood sugar levels may protect you from serious health problems, like damage to your eyes, nerves and kidneys. 

Onglyza is taken once a day, at the same time each day. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. You can take it with or without food, but be sure to swallow the tablet whole.

Most patients tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a mild headache and symptoms of a head cold. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking it, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.  Infections in the urinary tract may also happen. You should call your doctor if you notice changes to your bladder habits. 

Low blood sugar is not likely with Onglyza. It could happen, though, if you also take certain other diabetes medicines. Your doctor will tell you when to check your blood sugar, and what your goal is. Together, you should make a plan of how to treat it if it is low or high.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With Onglyza, this includes allergic reactions, skin reactions and joint pain. Pancreatitis could also occur. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely. You should read the Medication Guide to know what symptoms to watch for and when to call your doctor.

For best results with Onglyza, please be sure to follow the diet and exercise program that your doctor recommends.