Skip to content

Drug interactions

Saxagliptin-metformin + Tafenoquine

Severity: Moderate

Saxagliptin-metformin and Tafenoquine: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Tafenoquine inhibits the renal transporters OCT2 and MATE, which clear metformin. Metformin concentrations may rise, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal effects and, rarely, lactic acidosis, particularly in renal impairment.

What this interaction means in plain words

Saxagliptin-metformin and Tafenoquine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Saxagliptin-metformin belongs to Endocrine; Tafenoquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Tafenoquine inhibits OCT2 and MATE transporters, reducing renal tubular secretion of metformin.

What to do

Monitor for metformin toxicity and glycemic control, and consider reducing the metformin dose. Avoid in patients with impaired renal function.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Saxagliptin-metformin and Tafenoquine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Saxagliptin-metformin with Tafenoquine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Saxagliptin-metformin and Tafenoquine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Tafenoquine inhibits the renal transporters OCT2 and MATE, which clear metformin. Metformin concentrations may rise, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal effects and, rarely, lactic acidosis, particularly in renal impairment.

How serious is the interaction between Saxagliptin-metformin and Tafenoquine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for metformin toxicity and glycemic control, and consider reducing the metformin dose. Avoid in patients with impaired renal function.

What other medicines interact with Saxagliptin-metformin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Saxagliptin-metformin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clozapine, Contrast media. The full list is on the Saxagliptin-metformin page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in