Qtern

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ANNEX I

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Qtern 5 mg/10 mg film-coated tablets

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each tablet contains saxagliptin hydrochloride equivalent to 5 mg saxagliptin and dapagliflozin 
propanediol monohydrate equivalent to 10 mg dapagliflozin.

Excipient with known effect
Each tablet contains 40 mg of lactose (as anhydrous).

Qtern contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, i.e. is essentially ‘sodium-free’.

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Film-coated tablet (tablet).

Light brown to brown, biconvex, 0.8 cm round, film-coated tablet, with “5/10” printed on one side, 
and “1122” printed on the other side, in blue ink.

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Qtern, fixed dose combination of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin, is indicated in adults aged 18 years and 

older with type 2 diabetes mellitus:
- to improve glycaemic control when metformin and/or sulphonylurea (SU) and one of the 

monocomponents of Qtern do not provide adequate glycaemic control, 
- when already being treated with the free combination of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin.

(See sections 4.2, 4.4, 4.5 and 5.1 for available data on combinations studied.)

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Posology
The recommended dose is one 5 mg saxagliptin/10 mg dapagliflozin tablet once daily (see sections 4.5 
and 4.8).

Special populations
Renal impairment
Qtern can be used in patients with mild renal impairment.

Qtern should not be initiated in patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min and 
should be discontinued at GFR persistently below 45 mL/min. It should also not be used in patients 
with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (see sections 4.4, 4.8, 5.1 and 5.2).

Hepatic impairment
This medicinal product can be used in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Patients 
with moderate hepatic impairment should be evaluated prior to initiation and during treatment.
It is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.4).



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Elderly
There is no restriction based solely on age. However, renal function and risk of volume depletion 
should be taken into account in elderly patients (≥ 65 years). Based on very limited experience in
patients 75 years and older, initiation of Qtern therapy is not recommended in this population (see 
sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of this medicinal product in children and adolescents aged 0 to < 18 years have 
not yet been established. No data are available.

Method of administration
Qtern is taken orally once daily. It may be taken at any time of day with or without food. Tablet is to 
be swallowed whole.

If a dose is missed and it is ≥ 12 hours until the next dose, the dose should be taken. If a dose is missed 
and it is < 12 hours until the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose taken at 
the usual time.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1, or history of a 
serious hypersensitivity reaction, including anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactic shock, and
angioedema, to any dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor or to any sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 
(SGLT2) inhibitor (see sections 4.4, 4.8 and 6.1).

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Acute pancreatitis
Use of DPP-4 inhibitors has been associated with a risk of developing acute pancreatitis. Patients 
should be informed of the characteristic symptoms of acute pancreatitis; persistent, severe abdominal 
pain. If pancreatitis is suspected, this medicinal product should be discontinued; if acute pancreatitis is 
confirmed, it should not be restarted. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of 
pancreatitis.

In post-marketing experience of saxagliptin, there have been spontaneously reported adverse reactions 
of acute pancreatitis.

Monitoring of renal function
The glycaemic efficacy of dapagliflozin is dependent on renal function, and efficacy is reduced in 
patients who have moderate renal impairment and likely absent in patients with severe renal 
impairment (see section 4.2). In subjects with moderate renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min), a 
higher proportion of subjects treated with dapagliflozin had adverse reactions of increase in creatinine, 
phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hypotension, compared with placebo. Qtern should not 
be initiated in patients with a GFR < 60 mL/min and should be discontinued at GFR persistently below 
45 mL/min. Qtern has not been studied in severe renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min) or end-stage 
renal disease (ESRD).

Monitoring of renal function is recommended as follows:
• Prior to initiation of this medicinal product and at least yearly, thereafter (see sections 4.2, 

4.8, 5.1 and 5.2).
• Prior to initiation of concomitant medicinal products that may reduce renal function and

periodically thereafter.
• For renal function approaching moderate renal impairment, at least 2 to 4 times per year. If 

renal function persistently falls below GFR < 45 mL/min, Qtern treatment should be 
discontinued.



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Use in patients at risk for volume depletion, hypotension and/or electrolyte imbalances
Due to dapagliflozin’s mechanism of action, Qtern increases diuresis associated with a modest 
decrease in blood pressure (see section 5.1), which may be more pronounced in patients with very high 
blood glucose concentrations.

This medicinal product is not recommended for use in patients at risk of volume depletion (e.g.
receiving loop diuretics) (see section 4.5) or who are volume depleted, e.g. due to acute illness (such as 
acute gastrointestinal illness with nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea).

Caution should be exercised in patients for whom a dapagliflozin-induced drop in blood pressure could 
pose a risk, such as patients with known cardiovascular disease, patients on anti-hypertensive therapy 
with a history of hypotension or elderly patients.

For patients receiving Qtern, in case of intercurrent conditions that may lead to volume depletion, 
careful monitoring of volume status (e.g. physical examination, blood pressure measurements, 
laboratory tests including haematocrit) and electrolytes is recommended. Temporary interruption of 
treatment with this medicinal product is recommended for patients who develop volume depletion until 
the depletion is corrected (see section 4.8).

Use in patients with hepatic impairment
There is limited experience in clinical trials in patients with hepatic impairment. Dapagliflozin and 
saxagliptin exposure is increased in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see sections 4.2 and 5.2). 
Qtern can be used in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Patients with moderate 
hepatic impairment should be evaluated prior to initiation and during treatment. This medicinal 
product is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.2).

Diabetic ketoacidosis
Rare cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), including life-threatening and fatal cases, have been 
reported in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin. In a number of cases, the 
presentation of the condition was atypical with only moderately increased blood glucose values, below 
14 mmol/litres (250 mg/dL). It is not known if DKA is more likely to occur with higher doses of 
dapagliflozin.

The risk of diabetic ketoacidosis must be considered in the event of non-specific symptoms such as 
nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, difficulty breathing, confusion, unusual 
fatigue or sleepiness. Patients should be assessed for ketoacidosis immediately if these symptoms 
occur, regardless of blood glucose level.

In patients where DKA is suspected or diagnosed, treatment with Qtern should be discontinued 
immediately.

Treatment should be interrupted in patients who are hospitalised for major surgical procedures or acute 
serious medical illnesses. Monitoring of ketones is recommended in these patients. Measurement of 
blood ketone levels is preferred to urine. Treatment with dapagliflozin may be restarted when the 
ketone values are normal and the patient’s condition has stabilised.

Before initiating Qtern, factors in the patient history that may predispose to ketoacidosis should be 
considered.

Patients who may be at higher risk of DKA include patients with a low beta-cell function reserve (e.g. 
type 2 diabetes patients with low C-peptide or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) or 
patients with a history of pancreatitis), patients with conditions that lead to restricted food intake or 
severe dehydration, patients for whom insulin doses are reduced and patients with increased insulin 
requirements due to acute medical illness, surgery or alcohol abuse. SGLT2 inhibitors should be used 
with caution in these patients. 



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Restarting SGLT2 inhibitor treatment in patients with previous DKA while on SGLT2 inhibitor 
treatment is not recommended, unless another clear precipitating factor is identified and resolved.

The safety and efficacy of Qtern in patients with type 1 diabetes have not been established and Qtern 
should not be used for treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes mellitus studies
with dapagliflozin, DKA was reported with common frequency.

Necrotising fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier’s gangrene)
Post-marketing cases of necrotising fasciitis of the perineum (also known as Fournier’s gangrene) have 
been reported in female and male patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors (see section 4.8). This is a rare but 
serious and potentially life-threatening event that requires urgent surgical intervention and antibiotic 
treatment.

Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience a combination of symptoms of 
pain, tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, with fever or malaise. Be aware 
that either uro-genital infection or perineal abscess may precede necrotising fasciitis. If Fournier’s 
gangrene is suspected, Qtern should be discontinued and prompt treatment (including antibiotics and 
surgical debridement) should be instituted.

Hypersensitivity reactions
Qtern must not be used in patients who have had any serious hypersensitivity reaction to a 
DPP-4 inhibitor or a SGLT2 inhibitor (see section 4.3).

During post-marketing experience with saxagliptin, including spontaneous reports and clinical trials,
the following adverse reactions have been reported with the use of saxagliptin: serious
hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactic shock, and angioedema. 
Qtern should be discontinued if a serious hypersensitivity reaction is suspected. The event should be 
assessed and alternative treatment for diabetes should be instituted (see section 4.8).

Urinary tract infections
In the pooled safety data, urinary tract infections were frequently reported across the 3 treatment 
groups: 5.7 % in the saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin plus metformin group 7.4 % in the saxagliptin plus 
metformin group and 5.6 % in the dapagliflozin plus metformin group at 52 weeks (see section 4.8).
Additionally, urinary tract infections were frequently reported in saxagliptin and dapagliflozin clinical 
programmes. 

Urosepsis and pyelonephritis
There have been post-marketing reports of serious urinary tract infections including urosepsis and 
pyelonephritis requiring hospitalisation in patients receiving dapagliflozin and other SGLT2 inhibitors. 
Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors increases the risk for urinary tract infections. Patients with signs and 
symptoms of urinary tract infections should be evaluated and promptly treated, if indicated (see 
section 4.8).

Elderly
Elderly patients are more likely to have impaired renal function, and may be at a greater risk for 
volume depletion. In addition, elderly patients are more likely to be treated with anti-hypertensive 
medicinal products that may cause volume depletion and/or changes in renal function [e.g.
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB)]. 
Therefore, renal function and risk of volume depletion should be taken into account prior to starting 
treatment with Qtern. The same recommendations for monitoring of renal function apply to elderly 
patients as to all patients (see sections 4.2, 4.4, 4.8, and 5.1).

In subjects ≥ 65 years of age, a higher proportion of subjects treated with dapagliflozin had adverse 
reactions related to volume depletion and renal impairment or failure compared with placebo (see 
section 4.8). The most commonly reported adverse reaction related to renal function was serum 
creatinine increases, the majority of which were transient and reversible (see section 4.8).



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Therapeutic experience with Qtern in patients 65 years and older is limited, and very limited in patients 
75 years and older. Initiation of this medicinal product’s therapy in this population (> 75 years) is not
recommended (see sections 4.2, 4.8, and 5.2).

Skin disorders
Ulcerative and necrotic skin lesions have been reported in extremities of monkeys in non-clinical 
toxicology studies with saxagliptin (see section 5.3). Skin lesions were not observed at an increased 
incidence in saxagliptin clinical trials. Post-marketing reports of rash have been described in the DPP-4 
inhibitor class. Rash is also noted as an adverse reaction for this medicinal product (see section 4.8).
Therefore, in keeping with routine care of the diabetic patient, monitoring for skin disorders, such as
blistering, ulceration or rash, is recommended.

Bullous pemphigoid
Postmarketing cases of bullous pemphigoid requiring hospitalisation have been reported with DPP4 
inhibitor use, including saxagliptin. In reported cases, patients typically responded to topical or 
systemic immunosuppressive treatment and discontinuation of the DPP4 inhibitor. If a patient 
develops blisters or erosions while receiving saxagliptin and bullous pemphigoid is suspected, this 
medicinal product should be discontinued and referral to a dermatologist should be considered for 
diagnosis and appropriate treatment (see section 4.8).

Cardiac failure
Experience in NYHA class I-II is limited in dapagliflozin. There is no experience in clinical trials with 
dapagliflozin in NYHA class III-IV. Experience in NYHA class III-IV is limited with saxagliptin.

In the SAVOR trial, a small increase in the rate for hospitalisation for heart failure was observed in the 
saxagliptin-treated patients compared to placebo, although a causal relationship has not been 
established (see section 5.1). Additional analysis did not indicate a differential effect among NYHA
classes.

Caution is warranted if Qtern is used in patients who have known risk factors for hospitalisation for 
heart failure, such as a history of heart failure or moderate to severe renal impairment. Patients should 
be advised of the characteristic symptoms of heart failure, and to immediately report such symptoms.

Arthralgia
Joint pain, which may be severe, has been reported in post-marketing reports for DPP-4 inhibitors (see 
section 4.8). Patients experienced relief of symptoms after discontinuation of the medicinal product
and some experienced recurrence of symptoms with reintroduction of the same or another DPP-4 
inhibitor. Onset of symptoms following initiation of therapy may be rapid or may occur after longer 
periods of treatment. If a patient presents with severe joint pain, continuation of therapy should be 
individually assessed.

Use in patients treated with pioglitazone
While a causal relationship between dapagliflozin and bladder cancer is unlikely (see sections 4.8 and 
5.3), as a precautionary measure, Qtern is not recommended for use in patients concomitantly treated 
with pioglitazone. Available epidemiological data for pioglitazone suggest a small increased risk of 
bladder cancer in diabetic patients treated with pioglitazone.

Immunocompromised patients
Immunocompromised patients, such as patients who have undergone organ transplantation or patients 
diagnosed with human immunodeficiency syndrome have not been studied in the saxagliptin clinical 
programme. The efficacy and safety profile of Qtern in these patients has not been established.

Elevated haematocrit
Haematocrit increase was observed with dapagliflozin treatment, (see section 4.8); therefore, caution 
in patients with already elevated haematocrit is warranted.



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Lower limb amputations
An increase in cases of lower limb amputation (primarily of the toe) has been observed in ongoing 
long-term, clinical studies with another SGLT2 inhibitor. It is unknown whether this constitutes a class 
effect. Like for all diabetic patients it is important to counsel patients on routine preventative foot care.

Use with medicinal products known to cause hypoglycaemia
Both saxagliptin and dapagliflozin can individually increase the risk of hypoglycaemia when 
combined with an insulin secretagogue. If Qtern is used in combination with insulin secretagogue 
(sulphonylurea), a reduction in the dose of sulphonylurea may be required to minimize the risk of 
hypoglycaemia (see section 4.8).

Urine laboratory assessments
Due to its mechanism of action, patients taking Qtern will test positive for glucose in their urine.

Use with potent CYP3A4 inducers
Using CYP3A4 inducers like carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampicin
may reduce the glycaemic lowering effect of Qtern. Glycaemic control should be assessed when it is 
used concomitantly with a potent CYP3A4/5 inducer (see section 4.5).

Lactose
The tablets contain lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total
lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Pharmacodynamic interactions
Diuretics
Dapagliflozin may add to the diuretic effect of thiazide and loop diuretics and may increase the risk of 
dehydration and hypotension (see section 4.4).

Use with medicinal products known to cause hypoglycaemia
If Qtern is used in combination with insulin secretagogue (sulphonylurea), a reduction in the dose of 
sulphonylurea may be required to minimize the risk of hypoglycaemia (see section 4.4).

Pharmacokinetic interactions
Saxagliptin: The metabolism of saxagliptin is primarily mediated by cytochrome P450 3A4/5 
(CYP3A4/5). 

Dapagliflozin: The metabolism of dapagliflozin is primarily via glucuronide conjugation mediated by 
UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1A9 (UGT1A9).

Interactions with other oral anti-diabetic or cardiovascular medicinal products
Saxagliptin: Saxagliptin did not meaningfully alter the pharmacokinetics of dapagliflozin, 
metformin, glibenclamide, pioglitazone, digoxin, diltiazem or simvastatin. These medicinal products
did not alter the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin or its major active metabolite.

Dapagliflozin: Dapagliflozin did not meaningfully alter the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin, 
metformin, pioglitazone, sitagliptin, glimepiride, voglibose, hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide, 
valsartan, or simvastatin. These medications did not alter the pharmacokinetics of dapagliflozin.

Effect of other medicinal products on saxagliptin or dapagliflozin
Saxagliptin: Concomitant administration of saxagliptin with the moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4/5 
diltiazem, increased the Cmax and AUC of saxagliptin by 63 % and 2.1-fold, respectively, and the
corresponding values for the active metabolite were decreased by 44 % and 34 %, respectively. These 
pharmacokinetic effects are not clinically meaningful and do not require dose adjustment.

Concomitant administration of saxagliptin with the potent inhibitor of CYP3A4/5 ketoconazole, 



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increased the Cmax and AUC of saxagliptin by 62 % and 2.5-fold, respectively, and the corresponding 
values for the active metabolite were decreased by 95 % and 88 %, respectively. These 
pharmacokinetic effects are not clinically meaningful and do not require dose adjustment.

Concomitant administration of saxagliptin with the potent CYP3A4/5 inducer rifampicin reduced Cmax 
and AUC of saxagliptin by 53 % and 76 %, respectively. The exposure of the active metabolite and the 
plasma DPP-4 activity inhibition over a dose interval were not influenced by rifampicin (see 
section 4.4).

The coadministration of saxagliptin and CYP3A4/5 inducers, other than rifampicin (such as 
carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenobarbital and phenytoin) has not been studied and may result in 
decreased plasma concentration of saxagliptin and increased concentration of its major metabolite. 
Glycaemic control should be carefully assessed when saxagliptin is used concomitantly with a potent 
CYP3A4/5 inducer.

In studies conducted in healthy subjects, neither the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin nor its major
metabolite were meaningfully altered by metformin, glibenclamide, pioglitazone, digoxin, simvastatin,
omeprazole, antacids or famotidine.

Dapagliflozin: Following coadministration of dapagliflozin with rifampicin (an inducer of various 
active transporters and drug-metabolising enzymes) a 22 % decrease in dapagliflozin systemic 
exposure (AUC) was observed, but with no clinically meaningful effect on 24-hour urinary glucose 
excretion. No dose adjustment is recommended. A clinically relevant effect with other inducers (e.g. 
carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital) is not expected.

Following coadministration of dapagliflozin with mefenamic acid (an inhibitor of UGT1A9), a 55 % 
increase in dapagliflozin systemic exposure was seen, but with no clinically meaningful effect on 
24-hour urinary glucose excretion.

Effect of saxagliptin or dapagliflozin on other medicinal products
Saxagliptin: Saxagliptin did not meaningfully alter the pharmacokinetics of metformin, glibenclamide
(a CYP2C9 substrate), pioglitazone [a CYP2C8 (major) and CYP3A4 (minor) substrate], digoxin (a 
P-gp substrate), simvastatin (a CYP3A4 substrate), the active components of a combined oral 
contraceptive (ethinylestradiol and norgestimate), diltiazem or ketoconazole.

Dapagliflozin: In interaction studies conducted in healthy subjects, using mainly a single-dose design, 
dapagliflozin did not alter the pharmacokinetics of metformin, pioglitazone [a CYP2C8 (major) and 
CYP3A4 (minor) substrate], sitagliptin, glimepiride (a CYP2C9 substrate), hydrochlorothiazide, 
bumetanide, valsartan, digoxin (a P-gp substrate) or warfarin (S-warfarin, a CYP2C9 substrate), or the 
anticoagulatory effects of warfarin as measured by INR. Combination of a single dose of dapagliflozin 
20 mg and simvastatin (a CYP3A4 substrate) resulted in a 19 % increase in AUC of simvastatin and 
31 % increase in AUC of simvastatin acid. The increase in simvastatin and simvastatin acid exposures 
are not considered clinically relevant.

Interference with 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) assay
Monitoring glycaemic control with 1,5-AG assay is not recommended as measurements of 1,5-AG are 
unreliable in assessing glycaemic control in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Use of alternative 
methods to monitor glycaemic control is advised.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy
There are no data from the use of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin in pregnant women. Studies in animals 
with saxagliptin have shown reproductive toxicity at high doses (see section 5.3). Studies with 
dapagliflozin in rats have shown toxicity to the developing kidney in the time period corresponding to 
the second and third trimesters of human pregnancy (see section 5.3). Therefore, Qtern should not be 
used during pregnancy. If pregnancy is detected, treatment with Qtern should be discontinued.



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Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether saxagliptin and dapagliflozin and/or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. 
Animal studies have shown excretion of saxagliptin and/or metabolite in milk. Available 
pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of dapagliflozin/metabolites in 
milk, as well as pharmacologically-mediated effects in breast-feeding offspring (see section 5.3). A 
risk to the newborns/infants cannot be excluded. Qtern should not be used while breast-feeding.

Fertility
The effect of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin on fertility in humans has not been studied. In male and 
female rats, dapagliflozin showed no effects on fertility at any dose tested. Effects on fertility were
observed using saxagliptin in male and female rats at high doses producing overt signs of toxicity (see
section 5.3).

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Qtern has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. When driving or using 
machines, it should be taken into account that dizziness has been reported in studies with combined 
use of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin. In addition, patients should be alerted to the risk of
hypoglycaemia if used in combination with other antidiabetic medicinal products known to cause 
hypoglycaemia (e.g. sulphonylureas).

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile of saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin
The combination of saxagliptin 5 mg and dapagliflozin 10 mg in 1169 adults with type 2 diabetes 
mellitus (T2DM) and inadequate glycaemic control on metformin has been evaluated in three Phase 3, 
randomised, double-blind, active/placebo-control, parallel group, multi-centre clinical trials for up to 
52 weeks (see section 5.1). The pooled safety analysis comprised 3 treatment groups: saxagliptin plus 
dapagliflozin plus metformin (492 subjects), saxagliptin plus metformin (336 subjects), and 
dapagliflozin plus metformin (341 subjects). The safety profile of the combined use of saxagliptin plus 
dapagliflozin plus metformin was comparable to the adverse reactions identified for the respective 
mono-components.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The adverse reactions of Qtern are presented in table 1 based on the summarized data from the 
saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination clinical trials pooled safety data. The adverse reactions are listed 
by system organ class (SOC) and frequency. Frequency categories were defined according to very 
common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to ˂ 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1000 to ˂ 1/100), rare ( 1/10,000 to 
< 1/1000), very rare (< 1/10,000), and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 1. Compilation of reported adverse reactions for Qtern 

System 
organ class

Very 
common Common

A UncommonB Rare Very rare Not known

Infections 
and 
infestations

Upper 
respiratory 
tract 
infection1

Urinary tract 
infection2, 
vulvovaginitis
, balanitis and 
related genital 
infection3, 
gastroenteritis
D

Fungal 
infection

Necrotising 
fasciitis of the 
perineum 
(Fournier's 
gangrene)C,F,7

Immune 
system 
disorders

Hypersensitiv
ity reactionsC

Anaphylactic 
reactions 
including 



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System 
organ class

Very 
common Common

A UncommonB Rare Very rare Not known

anaphylactic 
shockC

Metabolism 
and nutrition 
disorders

Hypoglycaem
iaD (when 
used with SU)

Dyslipidaemi
a4

Volume 
depletionF, 
thirst

Diabetic 
ketoacidosisF,
G,7

Nervous 
system 
disorders 

Headache, 
dizziness

Gastro-intest
inal 
disorders

Abdominal 
painC, 
diarrhoea, 
dyspepsiaD, 
gastritisD, 
nauseaC, 
vomitingD

Constipation, 
dry mouth,
pancreatitisC

Renal and 
urinary 
disorders

Dysuria, 
polyuriaD,5

Nocturia, 
renal 
impairmentF

Skin and 
subcutaneou
s tissue 
disorders

Rash6 DermatitisC, 
pruritusC, 
urticariaC

AngioedemaC Bullous 
pemphigoidC,7

Musculo-skel
etal and 
connective 
tissue 
disorders

Arthralgia, 
back pain, 
myalgiaD

Reproductiv
e system and 
breast 
disorders

Erectile 
dysfunction, 
pruritus 
genital,
vulvovaginal 
pruritus

General 
disorders 
and 
administrati
on site 
conditions

FatigueD, 
oedema 
peripheralD

Investigation
s

Creatinine 
renal 
clearance 
decreasedF,
haematocrit 
increasedE

Blood 
creatinine 
increasedF,
blood urea 
increased,
weight 
decreased

A Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 2 % of subjects treated with the combined use of saxagliptin + dapagliflozin 
in the pooled safety analysis, or if reported in < 2 % in the pooled safety analysis, they were based on the 
individual mono-components data.

B Frequencies of all uncommon adverse reactions were based on the individual mono-components data.
C Adverse reaction originates from saxagliptin or dapagliflozin post-marketing surveillance data.
D Adverse reactions were reported in ≥ 2 % of subjects with either mono-component and ≥ 1 % more than 

placebo, but not in the pooled analysis.
E Haematocrit values > 55 % were reported in 1.3 % of the subjects treated with dapagliflozin 10 mg versus 

0.4 % of placebo subjects.



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F Frequency is based on events in the dapagliflozin clinical programme.
G Reported in the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study in patients with type 2 diabetes. Frequency is 

based on annual rate.
1 Upper respiratory tract infection includes the following preferred terms: nasopharyngitis, influenza, upper 

respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis bacterial, tonsillitis, acute tonsillitis, 
laryngitis, viral pharyngitis, and viral upper respiratory tract infection.

2 Urinary tract infection includes the following preferred terms: urinary tract infection, Escherichia urinary 
tract infection, pyelonephritis, and prostatitis.

3 Vulvovaginitis, balanitis and related genital infection include the following preferred terms: vulvovaginal 
mycotic infection, balanoposthitis, genital infection fungal, vaginal infection, and vulvovaginitis.

4 Dyslipidaemia includes the following preferred terms: dyslipidaemia, hyperlipidaemia, 
hypercholesterolaemia, and hypertriglyceridaemia.

5 Polyuria includes the following preferred terms: polyuria, and pollakiuria.
6 Rash was reported during the postmarketing use of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin. Preferred terms reported in 

dapagliflozin clinical trials included in order of frequency: rash, rash generalised, rash pruritic, rash macular, 
rash maculo-papular, rash pustular, rash vesicular, and rash erythematous.

7 See section 4.4

SU = sulphonylurea

Description of selected adverse reactions
Hypoglycaemia
In the pooled safety analysis, the overall incidence of hypoglycaemia (all reported events including 
those with central laboratory FPG ≤ 3.9 mmol/L) was 2.0% in subjects treated with saxagliptin 5 mg 
plus dapagliflozin 10 mg plus metformin (combination therapy), 0.6% in the saxagliptin plus
metformin group, and 2.3% in the dapagliflozin plus metformin group. 

In a 24-week study comparing the combination of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin plus metformin with 
or without SU, with insulin plus metformin with or without SU, the overall incidence rates for 
hypoglycaemia in patients without a background treatment of SU, were 12.7% for the combination 
compared to 33.1% for insulin. The overall incidence rates of hypoglycaemia in two 52-week studies 
comparing the combination therapy to glimepiride (SU) were: for the 1st study, 4.2% for the 
combination therapy versus 27.9% for glimepiride plus metformin versus 2.9% for dapagliflozin plus 
metformin; for the 2nd study, 18.5% for the combination therapy versus 43.1% for glimepiride plus 
metformin.

Volume depletion
Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: Events related to volume depletion (hypotension, dehydration, 
and hypovolaemia) were reflective of the adverse events with dapagliflozin and were reported in two 
subjects (0.4 %) in the saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin plus metformin group (serious adverse event 
[SAE] of syncope and an AE of urine output decreased), and 3 subjects (0.9 %) in the dapagliflozin 
plus metformin group (2 AEs of syncope and 1 of hypotension).

Events related to decreased renal function
Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: In the pooled safety analysis, the incidence of adverse events
related to decreased renal function was 2.0 % subjects in the saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin plus 
metformin group, 1.8 % subjects in the saxagliptin plus metformin group, and 0.6 % subjects in the 
dapagliflozin plus metformin group. Subjects with adverse events of renal impairment had lower mean 
eGFR values at baseline of 61.8 mL/min/1.73m2 compared to 93.6 mL/min/1.73m2 in the overall 
population. The majority of events were considered non-serious, mild or moderate in intensity, and 
resolved. The change in mean eGFR from baseline at Week 24 was -1.17 mL/min/1.73m2 in the 
saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin plus metformin group, -0.46 mL/min/1.73 m2 in saxagliptin plus 
metformin, and 0.81 mL/min/1.73m2 in dapagliflozin plus metformin.

Dapagliflozin: Adverse reactions related to increased creatinine have been reported for dapagliflozin 
as a mono-component. The increases in creatinine were generally transient during continuous 
treatment or reversible after discontinuation of treatment.



12

Vulvovaginitis, balanitis and related genital infections
Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: The reported adverse events of vulvovaginitis, balanitis and 
related genital infections from pooled safety analysis were reflective of the safety profile of 
dapagliflozin. Adverse events of genital infection were reported in 3.0 % in the saxagliptin plus 
dapagliflozin plus metformin group, 0.9 % of saxagliptin plus metformin group and 5.9 % of subjects 
in the dapagliflozin plus metformin group. The majority of the genital infection adverse events were 
reported in females (84 % of subjects with a genital infection), were mild or moderate in intensity, of 
single occurrence, and most patients continued on therapy.

Necrotising fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier’s gangrene)
Cases of Fournier’s gangrene have been reported post-marketing in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors, 
including dapagliflozin (see section 4.4).

In the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study with 17,160 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and a 
median exposure time of 48 months, a total of 6 cases of Fournier’s gangrene were reported, one in the 
dapagliflozin-treated group and 5 in the placebo group.

Diabetic ketoacidosis
In the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study, with a median exposure time of 48 months, events 
of DKA were reported in 27 patients in the dapagliflozin 10 mg group and 12 patients in the placebo 
group. The events occurred evenly distributed over the study period. Of the 27 patients with DKA 
events in the dapagliflozin group, 22 had concomitant insulin treatment at the time of the event. 
Precipitating factors for DKA were as expected in a type 2 diabetes mellitus population (see 
section 4.4).

Urinary tract infections
Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: In the pooled safety analysis, urinary tract infections (UTIs)
were balanced across the 3 treatment groups: 5.7 % in the saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin plus 
metformin group, 7.4 % in the saxagliptin plus metformin group and 5.6 % in the dapagliflozin plus 
metformin group. One patient in the saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin plus metformin group experienced 
an SAE of pyelonephritis and discontinued treatment. The majority of the urinary tract infection 
adverse events were reported in females (81 % of subjects with UTI), were mild or moderate in 
intensity, of single occurrence, and most patients continued on therapy.

Cardiovascular safety
Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: Cardiovascular (CV) events that were adjudicated and 
confirmed as CV events were reported in a total of 1.0 % of subjects in the saxagliptin plus 
dapagliflozin plus metformin group, 0.6 % in the saxagliptin plus metformin group, and 0.9 % in the 
dapagliflozin plus metformin group.

Malignancies
Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: Malignant and unspecified neoplasms were reported in 
3 subjects included in the pooled safety data. They included adverse events of gastric neoplasm, 
pancreatic cancer with hepatic metastases, and invasive ductal breast carcinoma in the saxagliptin plus 
dapagliflozin plus metformin group. Considering the short latency between first drug exposure and 
tumour diagnosis, a causal relationship to any specific tumour type is considered unlikely.

Dapagliflozin: In the 21-study active- and placebo-controlled pool, the overall proportion of subjects 
with malignant or unspecified tumours was similar between those treated with dapagliflozin (1.50 %) 
and placebo/comparator (1.50 %), and there was no carcinogenicity or mutagenicity signal in animal 
data (see section 5.3). When considering the cases of tumours occurring in the different organ systems, 
the relative risk associated with dapagliflozin was above 1 for some tumours (bladder, prostate, breast) 
and below 1 for others (e.g. blood and lymphatic, ovary, renal tract), not resulting in an overall 
increased tumour risk associated with dapagliflozin. The increased/decreased risk was not statistically 
significant in any of the organ systems. Considering the lack of tumour findings in non-clinical studies 
as well as the short latency between first drug exposure and tumour diagnosis, a causal relationship is 



13

considered unlikely. The numerical imbalance of breast, bladder and prostate tumours must be 
considered with caution; it will be further investigated in post-authorisation studies.

Laboratory findings
Decrease in lymphocyte counts
Saxagliptin: In a pool of 5 placebo-controlled studies, a small decrease in absolute lymphocyte count 
was observed, approximately 100 cells/microl relative to placebo. Mean absolute lymphocyte counts 
remained stable with daily dosing up to 102 weeks in duration. This decrease in mean absolute
lymphocyte count was not associated with clinically relevant adverse reactions.

Lipids
Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: Data from the saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin plus metformin 
treatment arms of 3 Phase 3 trials, demonstrated trends of mean percent increases from baseline 
(rounded to the nearest tenth) in total cholesterol (Total C), (ranging from 0.4 % to 3.8 %), LDL-C 
(ranging from 2.1 % to 6.9 %) and HDL-C (ranging 2.3 % to 5.2 %) along with mean percent 
decreases from baseline in triglycerides (ranging from -3.0 % to -10.8 %).

Special populations
Elderly
Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: Of the 1169 subjects treated in the pooled safety data from the 
3 clinical trials, 1007 subjects (86.1 %) were aged < 65 years, 162 subjects (13.9 %) were aged 
≥ 65 years, and 9 subjects (0.8 %) were aged ≥ 75 years. Generally, the most common adverse events 
reported in ≥ 65 years old were similar to < 65 years old. Therapeutic experience in patients 65 years 
and older is limited, and very limited in patients 75 years and older.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 

4.9 Overdose

Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: There is no information available on overdose with Qtern. In 
the event of an overdose, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated as dictated by the 
patient’s clinical status. Saxagliptin and its major metabolite are removed by haemodialysis (23% of 
dose over four hours). The removal of dapagliflozin by haemodialysis has not been studied.

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drugs used in diabetes, combinations of oral blood glucose lowering 
drugs, ATC code: A10BD21

Mechanism of action for Qtern
Qtern combines saxagliptin and dapagliflozin with complementary mechanisms of action to improve 
glycaemic control. Saxagliptin, through the selective inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), 
enhances glucose-mediated insulin secretion (incretin effect). Dapagliflozin, a selective inhibitor of 
sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), inhibits renal glucose reabsorption independently of 
insulin. Actions of both medicinal products are regulated by the plasma glucose level.

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


14

Mechanism of action for saxagliptin
Saxagliptin is a highly potent (Ki: 1.3 nM), selective, reversible and competitive inhibitor of DPP-4, an 
enzyme responsible for the breakdown of incretin hormones. This results in a glucose-dependent 
increase in insulin secretion, thus reducing fasting and post-prandial blood glucose concentrations.

Mechanism of action for dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin is a highly potent (Ki: 0.55 nM), selective and reversible inhibitor of sodium-glucose 
co-transporter 2 (SGLT2). Dapagliflozin blocks reabsorption of filtered glucose from the S1 segment 
of the renal tubule, effectively lowering blood glucose in a glucose dependent and insulin-independent 
manner. Dapagliflozin improves both fasting and post-prandial plasma glucose levels by reducing renal
glucose reabsorption leading to urinary glucose excretion. The increased urinary glucose excretion 
with SGLT2 inhibition produces an osmotic diuresis, and can result in a reduction in systolic BP.

Pharmacodynamic effects
In patients with type 2 diabetes, administration of saxagliptin inhibited DPP-4 enzyme activity 
throughout a 24-hour period. The inhibition of plasma DPP-4 activity by saxagliptin for at least 
24 hours after oral administration of saxagliptin is due to high potency, high affinity, and extended 
binding to the active site. After an oral glucose load, this produced in a 2- to 3-fold increase in
circulating levels glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic
polypeptide (GIP), decreased glucagon concentrations, and increased beta-cell responsiveness, 
resulting in higher insulin and C-peptide concentrations. The rise in insulin from pancreatic
beta-cells and the decrease in glucagon from pancreatic alpha-cells were associated with lower
fasting glucose concentrations and reduced glucose excursion following an oral glucose load or a
meal.

Dapagliflozin’s glucuretic effect is observed after the first dose, is continuous over the 24-hour dosing 
interval, and is sustained for the duration of treatment. Increases in the amount of glucose excreted in 
the urine were observed in healthy subjects and in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus following the 
administration of dapagliflozin. Approximately 70 g of glucose was excreted in the urine per day 
(corresponding to 280 kcal/day) at a dapagliflozin dose of 10 mg/day in subjects with type 2 diabetes 
mellitus for 12 weeks. Evidence of sustained glucose excretion was seen in subjects with type 2 
diabetes mellitus given dapagliflozin 10 mg/day for up to 2 years. Urinary uric acid excretion was also 
increased transiently (for 3-7 days) and accompanied by a sustained reduction in serum uric acid 
concentration. At 24 weeks, reductions in serum uric acid concentrations ranged from –48.3 to –18.3 
micromoles/L (–0.87 to –0.33 mg/dL).

Clinical efficacy and safety
The safety and efficacy of the 5 mg saxagliptin/10 mg dapagliflozin fixed-dose combination was 
evaluated in three phase 3, randomised, double-blind, active/placebo-controlled clinical trials in 1169 
adult subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. One trial with saxagliptin and dapagliflozin added 
concomitantly to metformin was conducted for 24 weeks. Two add-on therapy trials, which added 
either dapagliflozin to saxagliptin plus metformin or saxagliptin to dapagliflozin plus metformin, were 
also conducted for 24 weeks followed by a 28 week extension treatment period. The safety profile of 
the combined use of saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin in these trials for up to 52 weeks was comparable to 
the safety profiles for the mono-components.

Glycaemic control
Concomitant therapy with saxagliptin and dapagliflozin in patients inadequately controlled on 
metformin
A total of 534 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycaemic control on 
metformin alone (HbA1c ≥ 8 % and ≤ 12 %), participated in this 24-week randomised, double-blind, 
active comparator-controlled superiority trial to compare the combination of saxagliptin and 
dapagliflozin added concurrently to metformin, versus saxagliptin (DPP-4 inhibitor) or dapagliflozin 
(SGLT2 inhibitor) added to metformin. Patients were randomised to one of three double-blind 
treatment groups to receive saxagliptin 5 mg and dapagliflozin 10 mg added to metformin, saxagliptin 
5 mg and placebo added to metformin, or dapagliflozin 10 mg and placebo added to metformin.



15

The saxagliptin and dapagliflozin group achieved significantly greater reductions in HbA1c versus 
either the saxagliptin group or dapagliflozin group at 24 weeks (see table 2).

Table 2. HbA1c at week 24 in active-controlled study comparing the combination of saxagliptin 
and dapagliflozin added concurrently to metformin with either saxagliptin or 
dapagliflozin added to metformin

Efficacy parameter

Saxagliptin 5 mg
+ dapagliflozin 

10 mg
+ metformin

N=1792

Saxagliptin 5 mg
+ metformin

N=1762

Dapagliflozin 
10 mg

+ metformin
N=1792

HbA1c (%) at week 241

Baseline (mean) 8.93 9.03 8.87

Change from baseline (adjusted 
mean3)
(95 % Confidence interval [CI])

−1.47
(−1.62, −1.31)

−0.88
(−1.03, −0.72)

−1.20
(−1.35, −1.04)

Difference from saxagliptin + 
metformin (adjusted mean3)
(95 % CI)

−0.594

(−0.81, −0.37) - -

Difference from dapagliflozin + 
metformin (adjusted mean3)
(95 % CI)

−0.275

(−0.48, −0.05) - -

1. LRM = Longitudinal repeated measures (using values prior to rescue).
2. Randomised and treated patients with baseline and at least 1 post-baseline efficacy measurement.
3. Least squares mean adjusted for baseline value.
4. p-value <0.0001.
5. p-value=0.0166.

The majority of patients in this study had a baseline HbA1c of > 8 % (see table 3). The combination of 
saxagliptin and dapagliflozin added to metformin consistently demonstrated greater reductions in 
HbA1c irrespective of baseline HbA1c compared with saxagliptin or dapagliflozin alone added to 
metformin. In a separate pre-specified subgroup analysis, mean reductions from baseline in HbA1c 
were generally greater for patients with higher baseline HbA1c values.

Table 3. HbA1c subgroup analysis by baseline HbA1c at week 24 in randomised subjects

Treatments

Adjusted mean change from baseline by baseline 
HbA1c

< 8.0 % ≥ 8 % to < 9.0 % ≥ 9.0 %

Saxagliptin + Dapagliflozin + 
Metformin 
Adjusted mean change from 
baseline

(95 % CI)

–0.80

(n=37)

(–1.12, –0.47)

–1.17

(n=56)

(–1.44, –0.90)

–2.03

(n=65)

(–2.27, –1.80)

Saxagliptin + Metformin
Adjusted mean change from 
baseline

(95 % CI)

–0.69

(n=29)

(–1.06, –0.33)

–0.51

(n=51)

(–0.78, –0.25)

–1.32

(n=63)

(–1.56, –1.09)

Dapagliflozin + Metformin
Adjusted mean change from –0.45 –0.84 –1.87



16

baseline

(95 % CI)

(n=37)

(–0.77, –0.13)

(n=52)

(–1.11, –0.57)

(n=62)

(–2.11, –1.63)

n = number of subjects with non-missing baseline and a Week 24 value.

Proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7 %
Forty-one point four percent (41.4 %) (95 % CI [34.5, 48.2]) of patients in the saxagliptin and 
dapagliflozin combination group achieved HbA1c levels of less than 7 % compared to 18.3 % (95 % 
CI [13.0, 23.5]) patients in the saxagliptin group and 22.2 % (95 % CI [16.1, 28.3]) patients in the 
dapagliflozin group. 

Add-on therapy with dapagliflozin in patients inadequately controlled on saxagliptin plus metformin
A 24-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the sequential addition of 
10 mg dapagliflozin to 5 mg saxagliptin and metformin to the addition of placebo to 5 mg saxagliptin 
(DPP-4 inhibitor) and metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycaemic 
control (HbA1c ≥ 7% and ≤ 10.5%). Three hundred twenty (320) subjects were randomised equally 
into either the dapagliflozin added to saxagliptin plus metformin treatment group or placebo plus 
saxagliptin plus metformin treatment group. Patients who completed the initial 24-week study period 
were eligible to enter a controlled 28-week long-term study extension (52 weeks).

The group with dapagliflozin sequentially added to saxagliptin and metformin achieved statistically 
significant (p-value < 0.0001) greater reductions in HbA1c versus the group with placebo sequentially
added to saxagliptin plus metformin group at 24 weeks (see table 4). The effect in HbA1c observed at 
Week 24 was sustained at Week 52. 

Add-on therapy with saxagliptin in patients inadequately controlled on dapagliflozin plus metformin
A 24-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted on patients with type 2 
diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7 % and ≤ 10.5 %) on metformin and 
dapagliflozin alone, compared the sequential addition of 5 mg saxagliptin to 10 mg dapagliflozin and 
metformin, to the addition of placebo to 10 mg dapagliflozin and metformin, 153 patients were 
randomised into the saxagliptin added to dapagliflozin plus metformin treatment group, and 162 
patients were randomised into the placebo added to dapagliflozin plus metformin treatment group. 
Patients who completed the initial 24-week study period were eligible to enter a controlled 28 week 
long-term study extension (52 weeks). The safety profile of saxagliptin added to dapagliflozin plus 
metformin in the long-term treatment period was consistent with that previously observed in the 
clinical trial experience for the concomitant therapy study and that observed in the 24-week treatment 
period in this study.

The group with saxagliptin sequentially added to dapagliflozin and metformin achieved statistically 
significant (p-value < 0.0001) greater reductions in HbA1c versus the group with placebo sequentially
added to dapagliflozin plus metformin group at 24 weeks (see table 4). The effect in HbA1c observed 
at Week 24 was sustained at Week 52. 



17

Table 4. HbA1c change from baseline at week 24 excluding data after rescue for randomised 
subjects – studies MB102129 and CV181168

Efficacy 
parameter

Sequential add-on clinical trials

Study MB102129 Study CV181168

Dapagliflozin 
10 mg add to 
saxagliptin 

5 mg + 
metformin

(N=160) †

Placebo + 
saxagliptin 5 mg + 

metformin

(N=160) †

Saxagliptin 
5 mg added to 
dapagliflozin 

10 mg + 
metformin

(N=153) †

Placebo + 
dapagliflozin 

10 mg + 
metformin

(N=162) †

HbA1c (%) at week 24*

Baseline 
(mean) 8.24 8.16 7.95 7.85

Change from 
baseline 
(adjusted 
mean‡)
(95 % CI)

−0.82

(−0.96, 0.69)

−0.10

(−0.24, 0.04)

−0.51

(−0.63, −0.39)

−0.16

(−0.28, −0.04)

Difference in 
HbA1c effect

Adjusted 
mean

(95 % CI)

p-value

−0.72

(−0.91, −0.53)

< 0.0001

−0.35

(−0.52, −0.18)

< 0.0001
 LRM = Longitudinal repeated measures (using values prior to rescue).
† N is the number of randomised and treated patients with baseline and at least 1 post-baseline efficacy measurement.
‡ Least squares mean adjusted for baseline value.

Proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7 %
The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7.0 % at Week 24 in the add-on therapy with 
dapagliflozin to saxagliptin plus metformin trial was higher in the dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin plus 
metformin group 38.0 % (95 % CI [30.9, 45.1]) compared to the placebo plus saxagliptin plus 
metformin group 12.4 % (95 % CI [7.0, 17.9]). The effect in HbA1c observed at Week 24 was 
sustained at Week 52. The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7 % at week 24 for add-on 
therapy with saxagliptin to dapagliflozin plus metformin trial was higher in the saxagliptin plus 
dapagliflozin plus metformin group 35.3 % (95 % CI [28.2, 42.2]) compared to the placebo plus 
dapagliflozin plus metformin group 23.1 % (95 % CI [16.9, 29.3]). The effect in HbA1c observed at 
Week 24 was sustained at Week 52. 

Body weight
In the concomitant study, the adjusted mean change from baseline in body weight at Week 24 
(excluding data after rescue) was −2.05 kg (95 % CI [−2.52, −1.58]) in the saxagliptin 5 mg plus
dapagliflozin 10 mg plus metformin group and −2.39 kg (95 % CI [−2.87, −1.91]) in the dapagliflozin 
10 mg plus metformin group, while the saxagliptin 5 mg plus metformin group had no change 
(0.00 kg) (95 % CI [−0.48, 0.49]). 

Blood pressure
Treatment with Qtern resulted in change from baseline for systolic blood pressure ranging from –1.3 to 
–2.2 mm Hg and for diastolic blood pressure ranging from –0.5 to –1.2 mm Hg caused by Qtern’s mild 
diuretic effect. The modest lowering effects on BP were consistent over time and a similar number of 
subjects had systolic BP < 130 mmHg or diastolic BP < 80 mmHg at Week 24 across the treatment 
groups.



18

Cardiovascular safety
Dapagliflozin: A meta-analysis of cardiovascular events in the clinical program was
performed. In the clinical program, 34.4% of subjects had a history of cardiovascular disease 
(excluding hypertension) at baseline and 67.9% had hypertension. The hazard ratio comparing
dapagliflozin to comparator was 0.79 (95 % CI: 0.58, 1.07), indicating that in this analysis
dapagliflozin is not associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 
diabetes mellitus. Cardiovascular death, MI and stroke were observed with a hazard ratio of
0.77 (95 % CI: 0.54, 1.10).

Saxagliptin assessment of vascular outcomes recorded in patients with diabetes mellitus - thrombolysis 
in myocardial infarction (SAVOR) study
SAVOR was a CV outcome trial in 16,492 patients with HbA1c ≥ 6.5 % and < 12 % (12,959 with 
established CV disease; 3533 with multiple risk factors only) who were randomised to saxagliptin 
(n=8280) or placebo (n=8212) added to regional standards of care for HbA1c and CV risk factors. The 
study population included those ≥ 65 years (n=8561) and ≥ 75 years (n=2330), with normal or mild 
renal impairment (n=13,916) as well as moderate (n=2240) or severe (n=336) renal impairment. 

The primary safety (non-inferiority) and efficacy (superiority) endpoint was a composite endpoint 
consisting of the time-to-first occurrence of any of the following major adverse CV events (MACE): 
CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal ischemic stroke.

After a mean follow up of 2 years, the trial met its primary safety endpoint demonstrating saxagliptin 
does not increase the cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to placebo when 
added to current background therapy. 

No benefit was observed for MACE or all-cause mortality.

One component of the secondary composite endpoint, hospitalisation for heart failure, occurred at a 
greater rate in the saxagliptin group (3.5 %) compared with the placebo group (2.8 %), with nominal 
statistical significance favouring placebo [HR=1.27; (95 % CI 1.07, 1.51); P=0.007]. Clinically 
relevant factors predictive of increased relative risk with saxagliptin treatment could not be definitively 
identified. Subjects at higher risk for hospitalisation for heart failure, irrespective of treatment 
assignment, could be identified by known risk factors for heart failure such as baseline history of heart 
failure or impaired renal function. However, subjects on saxagliptin with a history of heart failure or 
impaired renal function at baseline were not at an increased risk relative to placebo for the primary or 
secondary composite endpoints or all-cause mortality.

Another secondary endpoint, all-cause mortality, occurred at a rate of 5.1 % in the saxagliptin group 
and 4.6 % in the placebo group. CV deaths were balanced across the treatment groups. There was a 
numerical imbalance in non-CV death, with more events on saxagliptin (1.8 %) than placebo (1.4 %) 
[HR=1.27; (95 % CI 1.00, 1.62); P=0.051].

Renal impairment
Moderate renal impairment CKD 3A (eGFR ≥ 45 to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2)
Dapagliflozin

The efficacy of dapagliflozin was assessed in a dedicated study in diabetic patients with an eGFR ≥ 45 
to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 who had inadequate glycaemic control on usual care. Treatment with
dapagliflozin resulted in reductions in HbA1c and body weight compared with placebo (Table 5).



19

Table 5. Results at Week 24 of a placebo-controlled study of dapagliflozin in diabetic patients 
with an eGFR ≥ 45 to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2

Dapagliflozina

10 mg
Placeboa

Nb 159 161
HbA1c (%)
Baseline (mean) 8.35 8.03
Change from baselineb −0.37 −0.03
Difference from placebob

    (95% CI)
−0.34*

(−0.53, −0.15)
Body weight (kg)
Baseline (mean) 92.51 88.30
Percent change from baselinec −3.42 −2.02
Difference in percent change from placeboc

    (95% CI)
−1.43*

(−2.15, −0.69)
a Metformin or metformin hydrochloride were part of the usual care in 69.4% and 64.0% of the patients for the dapagliflozin 

and placebo groups, respectively.
b Least squares mean adjusted for baseline value
c Derived from least squares mean adjusted for baseline value
* p ≤ 0.001

At Week 24, treatment with dapagliflozin demonstrated reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 
−1.19 mmol/L (−21.46 mg/dL) compared to −0.27 mmol/L (−4.87 mg/dL) for placebo (p ≤ 0.001), and 
reductions in seated systolic blood pressure (SBP) −4.8 mmHg compared to −1.7 mmHg for placebo 
(p < 0.05).

Paediatric population
The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with Qtern
in all subsets of the paediatric population in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (see section 4.2 for 
information on paediatric use).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: Overall, the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin 
were not affected in clinically relevant manner when administered as Qtern compared with 
independent doses of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin.

The following reflects the pharmacokinetic properties of Qtern unless stated that the presented data are 
from administration of saxagliptin or dapagliflozin.

Bioequivalence has been confirmed between the Qtern 5 mg/10 mg tablet and the individual 
saxagliptin 5 mg and dapagliflozin 10 mg tablets after single dose administration in the fasted state in 
healthy subjects. The pharmacokinetics of dapagliflozin, and saxagliptin and its major metabolite were
similar in healthy subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Administration of Qtern with a high-fat meal decreases dapagliflozin Cmax by up to 35 % and prolongs 
Tmax by approximately 1.5 hours, but does not alter AUC as compared with the fasted state. These 
changes are not considered to be clinically meaningful. There was no food effect observed for 
saxagliptin. Qtern can be administered with or without food.

Drug interactions: 
Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination: No drug interaction studies have been performed with Qtern
and other medicinal products. Such studies have been conducted with the individual active substances.

Saxagliptin: In in vitro studies, saxagliptin and its major metabolite neither inhibited CYP1A2, 2A6, 
2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, or 3A4, nor induced CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, or 3A4.



20

Dapagliflozin: In in vitro studies, dapagliflozin neither inhibited cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 
CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, nor induced CYP1A2, 
CYP2B6 or CYP3A4. Therefore, dapagliflozin is not expected to alter the metabolic clearance of 
coadministered medicinal products that are metabolised by these enzymes.

Absorption
Saxagliptin: Saxagliptin was rapidly absorbed after oral administration in the fasted state, with
maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of saxagliptin and its major metabolite attained within 2 and
4 hours (Tmax), respectively. The Cmax and AUC values of saxagliptin and its major metabolite
increased proportionally with the increment in the saxagliptin dose, and this dose-proportionality was
observed in doses up to 400 mg. Following a 5 mg single oral dose of saxagliptin to healthy subjects,
the mean plasma AUC values for saxagliptin and its major metabolite were 78 ng h/mL and
214 ng h/mL, respectively. The corresponding plasma Cmax values were 24 ng/mL and 47 ng/mL,
respectively. The intra-subject coefficients of variation for saxagliptin Cmax and AUC were less than
12 %.

Dapagliflozin: Dapagliflozin was rapidly and well absorbed after oral administration. Maximum 
dapagliflozin plasma concentrations (Cmax) were usually attained within 2 hours after administration in 
the fasted state. Geometric mean steady-state dapagliflozin Cmax and AUCτ values following once daily 
10 mg doses of dapagliflozin were 158 ng/mL and 628 ng h/mL, respectively. The absolute oral 
bioavailability of dapagliflozin following the administration of a 10 mg dose is 78 %.

Distribution
Saxagliptin: The in vitro protein binding of saxagliptin and its major metabolite in human serum is
negligible. Thus, changes in blood protein levels in various disease states (e.g. renal or hepatic
impairment) are not expected to alter the disposition of saxagliptin. The volume of distribution of 
saxagliptin was 205 l.

Dapagliflozin: Dapagliflozin is approximately 91 % protein bound. Protein binding was not altered in 
various disease states (e.g. renal or hepatic impairment). The mean steady-state volume of distribution 
of dapagliflozin was 118 l.

Biotransformation
Saxagliptin: The biotransformation of saxagliptin is primarily mediated by cytochrome P450 3A4/5 
(CYP3A4/5). The major active metabolite of saxagliptin, 5-OH-saxagliptin, is also a selective,
reversible, competitive DPP-4 inhibitor, half as potent as saxagliptin.

Dapagliflozin: Dapagliflozin is extensively metabolised, primarily to yield 
dapagliflozin 3-O-glucuronide, which is an inactive metabolite. Dapagliflozin 3-O-glucuronide or 
other metabolites do not contribute to the glucose-lowering effects. The formation of 
dapagliflozin 3-O-glucuronide is mediated by UGT1A9, an enzyme present in the liver and kidney, 
and CYP-mediated metabolism was a minor clearance pathway in humans.

Elimination
Saxagliptin: The mean plasma terminal half-life (t1/2) values for saxagliptin and its major metabolite
are 2.5 hours and 3.1 hours respectively, and the mean t1/2 value for plasma DPP-4 inhibition was
26.9 hours. Saxagliptin is eliminated by both renal and hepatic pathways. Following a single 50 mg 
dose of 14C-saxagliptin, 24 %, 36 %, and 75 % of the dose was excreted in the urine as saxagliptin, 
its active metabolite, and total radioactivity, respectively. The average renal clearance of saxagliptin 
(~230 mL/min) was greater than the average estimated glomerular filtration rate (~120 mL/min), 
suggesting some active renal excretion.

Dapagliflozin: The mean plasma terminal half-life (t1/2) for dapagliflozin was 12.9 hours following a 
single oral dose of dapagliflozin 10 mg to healthy subjects. The mean total systemic clearance of 
dapagliflozin administered intravenously was 207 mL/min. Dapagliflozin and related metabolites are 
primarily eliminated via urinary excretion with less than 2 % as unchanged dapagliflozin.



21

Linearity
Saxagliptin: The Cmax and AUC of saxagliptin and its major metabolite increased proportionally to
the saxagliptin dose. No appreciable accumulation of either saxagliptin or its major metabolite was 
observed with repeated once-daily dosing at any dose level. No dose- and time-dependence was 
observed in the clearance of saxagliptin and its major metabolite over 14 days of once-daily dosing
with saxagliptin at doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 400 mg.

Dapagliflozin: Dapagliflozin exposure increased proportional to the increment in dapagliflozin dose 
over the range of 0.1 to 500 mg and its pharmacokinetics did not change with time upon repeated daily 
dosing for up to 24 weeks.

Special populations
Renal impairment
Saxagliptin: After a single dose of saxagliptin in subjects with mild, moderate or severe renal 
impairment (or ESRD) classified on the basis of creatinine clearance the mean AUC values of 
saxagliptin were 1.2-, and up to 2.1- and 4.5- fold higher, respectively, than AUC values in subjects 
with normal renal function. The AUC values of 5-OH-saxagliptin were also increased. The degree of 
renal impairment did not affect the Cmax of saxagliptin or its major metabolite.

Dapagliflozin: At steady-state (20 mg once-daily dapagliflozin for 7 days), subjects with type 2 
diabetes mellitus and mild, moderate or severe renal impairment (as determined by iohexol plasma 
clearance) had mean systemic exposures of dapagliflozin of 32 %, 60 % and 87 % higher, respectively, 
than those of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and normal renal function. The steady-state 
24-hour urinary glucose excretion was highly dependent on renal function and 85, 52, 18 and 11 g of 
glucose/day was excreted by subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and normal renal function or mild, 
moderate or severe renal impairment, respectively. The impact of hemodialysis on dapagliflozin 
exposure is not known.

Hepatic impairment
Saxagliptin: In subjects with mild (Child-Pugh class A), moderate (Child-Pugh class B), or severe 
(Child-Pugh class C) hepatic impairment the exposures to saxagliptin were 1.1-, 1.4- and 1.8-fold 
higher, respectively, and the exposures to BMS-510849 (saxagliptin metabolite) were 22 %, 7 %
and 33 % lower, respectively, than those observed in healthy subjects.

Dapagliflozin: In subjects with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classes A and B), 
mean Cmax and AUC of dapagliflozin were up to 12 % and 36 % higher, respectively, compared to 
healthy matched control subjects. These differences were not considered to be clinically meaningful. 
In subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) mean Cmax and AUC of dapagliflozin 
were 40 % and 67 % higher than matched healthy controls, respectively.

Elderly
Saxagliptin: Elderly patients (65–80 years) had about 60 % higher saxagliptin AUC than young
patients (18–40 years). This is not considered clinically meaningful, therefore, no dose adjustment for
saxagliptin is recommended on the basis of age alone.

Dapagliflozin: There is no clinically meaningful increase in exposure based on age alone in subjects 
up to 70 years old. However, an increased exposure due to age-related decrease in renal function can 
be expected. There are insufficient data to draw conclusions regarding exposure in patients 
> 70 years old.

Gender
Saxagliptin: Females had approximately 25 % higher systemic exposure values for saxagliptin. There 
were no clinically relevant differences observed in saxagliptin pharmacokinetics between males and 
females.



22

Dapagliflozin: The mean dapagliflozin AUCss in females was estimated to be about 22 % higher than 
in males.

Race
Saxagliptin: Race was not identified as a statistically significant covariate on the apparent clearance of 
saxagliptin and its metabolite.

Dapagliflozin: There were no clinically relevant differences in systemic exposures between White, 
Black or Asian races.

Body weight
Dapagliflozin: Dapagliflozin exposure was found to decrease with increased weight. Consequently, 
low-weight patients may have somewhat increased exposure and patients with high-weight somewhat 
decreased exposure. However, the differences in exposure were not considered clinically meaningful.

Saxagliptin: Body weight had a small and non-clinically meaningful impact on saxagliptin exposure.
Females had approximately 25% higher systemic-exposure values for saxagliptin, this difference is 
considered not clinically relevant.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Non-clinical studies of either saxagliptin or dapagliflozin revealed no special hazard for humans based 
on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, genotoxicity or carcinogenicity. 

Saxagliptin produced reversible skin lesions (scabs, ulcerations and necrosis) in extremities (tail, digits,
scrotum and/or nose) in cynomolgus monkeys. The no effect level (NOEL) for the lesions is 1 and 
2 times the human exposure of saxagliptin and the major metabolite respectively, at the recommended 
human dose (RHD) of 5 mg/day. The clinical relevance of the skin lesions is not known and skin
lesions have not been observed in humans.

Immune related findings of minimal, nonprogressive, lymphoid hyperplasia in spleen, lymph nodes and 
bone marrow with no adverse sequelae have been reported in all species tested at exposures starting
from 7 times the RHD.

Saxagliptin produced gastrointestinal toxicity in dogs, including bloody/mucoid faeces and 
enteropathy at higher doses with a NOEL 4 and 2 times the human exposure for saxagliptin and the 
major metabolite, respectively at RHD. The effect on offspring body weights were noted until 
postnatal day 92 and 120 in females and males, respectively.

Reproductive and developmental toxicity
Saxagliptin has effects on fertility in male and female rats at high doses producing overt signs of
toxicity. Saxagliptin was not teratogenic at any doses evaluated in rats or rabbits. At high doses in rats, 
saxagliptin caused reduced ossification (a developmental delay) of the foetal pelvis and decreased 
foetal body weight (in the presence of maternal toxicity), with a NOEL 303 and 30 times the human 
exposure for saxagliptin and the major metabolite, respectively, at RHD. In rabbits, the effects of 
saxagliptin were limited to minor skeletal variations observed only at maternally toxic doses (NOEL 
158 and 224 times the human exposure for saxagliptin and the major metabolite, respectively at
RHD). In a pre- and postnatal developmental study in rats, saxagliptin caused decreased pup weight at 
maternally toxic doses, with NOEL 488 and 45 times the human exposure for saxagliptin and the 
major metabolite, respectively at RHD. The effect on offspring body weights were noted until postnatal 
day 92 and 120 in females and males, respectively.

Direct administration of dapagliflozin to weanling juvenile rats and indirect exposure during late 
pregnancy (corresponding to the second and third trimesters of pregnancy with respect to human renal 
maturation) and lactation are each associated with increased incidence and/or severity of renal pelvic 
and tubular dilatations in progeny.



23

In a juvenile study, when dapagliflozin was dosed directly to young rats from postnatal day 21 until 
postnatal day 90, renal pelvic and tubular dilatations (with dose-related increases in kidney weight and 
macroscopic kidney enlargement) were reported at all dose levels; pup exposures at the lowest dose 
tested were ≥ 15 times the maximum recommended human dose. The renal pelvic and tubular 
dilatations observed in juvenile animals did not fully reverse within the approximate 1-month recovery 
period.

Dapagliflozin dosed to maternal rats from gestation day 6 through postnatal day 21, and pups were 
indirectly exposed in utero and throughout lactation. Increased incidence or severity of renal pelvic 
dilatation was observed in adult offspring of treated dams, although only at the highest dose tested (at 
maternal and pup dapagliflozin exposures of 1415 times and 137 times, respectively, the human values 
at the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD]). Additional developmental toxicity was limited 
to dose-related reductions in pup body weights, and observed only at doses ≥ 15 mg/kg/day (pup 
exposures ≥ 29 times the human values at the MRHD). Maternal toxicity was evident only at the 
highest dose tested, and limited to transient reductions in body weight and food consumption at dose. 
The NOAEL for developmental toxicityis associated with a maternal systemic exposure 19 times the 
human values at the MRHD.

In studies of embryo-foetal development in rabbits, dapagliflozin caused neither maternal nor 
developmental toxicities at any dose tested; the highest dose tested corresponded to a systemic 
exposure 1191 times the MRHD. In rats, dapagliflozin was neither embryolethal nor teratogenic at 
exposures up to 1441 times the human values at the MRHD.

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Tablet core
Microcrystalline cellulose (E460i)
Croscarmellose sodium (E468)
Lactose, anhydrous
Magnesium stearate (E470b)
Dental type silica (E551)

Film-coating
Polyvinyl alcohol (E1203)
Macrogol 3350
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Talc (E553b)
Iron oxide yellow (E172)
Iron oxide red (E172)

Printing ink
Shellac
Indigo carmine aluminium lake (E132)

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

6.3 Shelf life

3 years



24

6.4 Special precautions for storage

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

PA/Alu/PVC-Alu blister
Pack sizes of 14, 28, and 98 film-coated tablets in calendar blisters
Pack size of 30 film-coated tablets in blisters

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal

No special requirements.

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

AstraZeneca AB
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

EU/1/16/1108/001 14 film-coated tablets
EU/1/16/1108/002 28 film-coated tablets
EU/1/16/1108/003 98 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/16/1108/004 30 film-coated tablets

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

Date of first authorisation: 15 July 2016

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


25

ANNEX II

A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE 
AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT



26

A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

Name and address of the manufacturer(s) responsible for batch release

AstraZeneca AB
Gärtunavägen
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden

AstraZeneca UK Limited
Silk Road Business Park
Macclesfield
Cheshire SK10 2NA
United Kingdom

AstraZeneca GmbH
Tinsdaler Weg 183
22880 Wedel
Germany

The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the 
manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch.

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE

Medicinal product subject to medical prescription.

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION

• Periodic Safety Update Reports

The requirements for submission of periodic safety update reports for this medicinal product are set 
out in the list of Union references dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 
2001/83/EC and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal.

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

• Risk Management Plan (RMP)

The MAH shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities and interventions detailed in the 
agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2. of the Marketing Authorisation and any agreed subsequent 
updates of the RMP.

An updated RMP should be submitted:
• At the request of the European Medicines Agency; 
• Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 
an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached.



27

ANNEX III

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET



28

A. LABELLING



29

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING

OUTER CARTON 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Qtern 5 mg/10 mg film-coated tablets
saxagliptin/dapagliflozin

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each tablet contains saxagliptin hydrochloride equivalent to 5 mg saxagliptin and dapagliflozin 
propanediol monohydrate equivalent to 10 mg dapagliflozin.

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Contains lactose. See package leaflet for further information.

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

14 film-coated tablets
28 film-coated tablets
98 film-coated tablets
30 film-coated tablets

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Read the package leaflet before use.
Oral use

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 
OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS



30

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

AstraZeneca AB
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

EU/1/16/1108/001 14 film-coated tablets
EU/1/16/1108/002 28 film-coated tablets
EU/1/16/1108/003 98 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/16/1108/004 30 film-coated tablets

13. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

qtern 5 mg/10 mg

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER  2D BARCODE

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER  HUMAN READABLE DATA

PC:
SN:
NN:



31

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS

BLISTERS 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Qtern 5 mg/10 mg tablets
saxagliptin/dapagliflozin

2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

AstraZeneca AB

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

4. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

5. OTHER



32

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS

CALENDAR BLISTERS 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Qtern 5 mg/10 mg tablets
saxagliptin/dapagliflozin

2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

AstraZeneca AB

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

4. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

5. OTHER

Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun.



33

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET



34

Package leaflet: Information for the patient

Qtern 5 mg/10 mg film-coated tablets
saxagliptin/dapagliflozin

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains 
important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

What is in this leaflet:
1. What Qtern is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Qtern
3. How to take Qtern
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Qtern
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Qtern is and what it is used for

Qtern contains the active substances saxagliptin and dapagliflozin. Each belongs to a group of 
medicines called “oral anti-diabetics”.

- This medicine is taken by mouth for diabetes.
- This medicine is used if your diabetes cannot be controlled with other oral diabetes medicines, 

along with diet and exercise.

Qtern is used for a type of diabetes called “type 2 diabetes mellitus” in adult patients (aged 18 years 
and older). “Type 2 diabetes mellitus” is the type of diabetes that usually starts when you are older. If 
you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas does not make enough insulin or your body is not able to use 
the insulin it produces properly. This leads to a high level of sugar in your blood. The two active 
substances in Qtern work in different ways to help control the level of sugar in your blood and remove 
excess sugar from your body via your urine.

It is important to continue to follow the advice on diet and exercise given to you by your doctor, 
pharmacist or nurse.

2. What you need to know before you take Qtern

Do not take Qtern:
- if you are allergic to saxagliptin, dapagliflozin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine 

(listed in section 6).
- if you have had a serious allergic reaction to any other similar medicines (for example DPP-4 

inhibitors like sitagliptin, linagliptin, alogliptin, or SGLT2 inhibitors like canagliflozin, 
empagliflozin) that you take to control your blood sugar.

Do not take Qtern if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, 
or nurse before taking Qtern.



35

Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Qtern, and during treatment:
- if you have “type 1 diabetes” (the type that usually starts when you are young, and your body 

does not produce any insulin).
- if you have or have had a disease of the pancreas.
- if you have reduced kidney function.
- if you have a condition that reduces your body’s ability to fight infections, such as a disease like 

AIDS or from medicines that you might take after an organ transplant.
- if you have moderate or severe liver problem.
- if you experience rapid weight loss, feeling sick or being sick, stomach pain, excessive thirst, 

fast and deep breathing, confusion, unusual sleepiness or tiredness, a sweet smell to your breath, 
a sweet or metallic taste in your mouth, or a different odour to your urine or sweat, contact a 
doctor or the nearest hospital straight away. These symptoms could be a sign of “diabetic 
ketoacidosis” – a rare but serious, sometimes life-threatening problem you can get with diabetes 
because of increased levels of “ketone bodies” in your urine or blood, seen in tests. The risk of 
developing diabetic ketoacidosis may be increased with prolonged fasting, excessive alcohol 
consumption, dehydration, sudden reductions in insulin dose, or a higher need of insulin due to 
major surgery or serious illness.

- if you have or have had a serious hypersensitivity reaction or is suspected.
- if you have a history of serious heart disease.
- if you suffer from heart failure or you have other risk factors for developing heart failure such as 

problems with your kidneys. Your doctor will advise you of the signs and symptoms of heart 
failure. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, increasing shortness of breath, rapid 
increase in weight and swelling of the feet (pedal oedema). You should call your doctor, 
pharmacist or nurse immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

- if you are on medicines to lower your blood pressure (anti-hypertensives) and have a history of 
low blood pressure (hypotension). For more information, see section “Other medicines and 
Qtern” below.

- if you have very high levels of sugar in your blood which may make you dehydrated (lose too 
much body fluid). Possible signs of dehydration are listed at the top of section 4. Tell your 
doctor before you start taking Qtern if you have any of these signs.

- if you have or develop nausea (feeling sick), vomiting or fever or if you are not able to eat or 
drink. These conditions can cause dehydration. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking Qtern 
until you recover to prevent dehydration.

- if you often get infections of the urinary tract or have a serious infection of the urinary tract, 
including urosepsis or pyelonephritis, which can cause fever and/or chills, burning sensation 
when passing water (urinating), blood in urine, pain in your back or side. You should call your 
doctor, pharmacist or nurse immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

- if you are 75 years old or older.
- if you are taking a medicine to lower your blood sugar, such as insulin or sulphonylureas.
- if you are taking another medicine for diabetes that contains “pioglitazone”.
- if you have an increase in the amount of red blood cells in your blood, seen in tests.

If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before 
taking Qtern.

Diabetic skin lesions (skin damage such as sores or ulcers) are a common complication of diabetes. 
Rash has been seen with both saxagliptin and dapagliflozin when given separately (see section 4). You 
are advised to follow the recommendations for skin care that you are given by your doctor or nurse.
Contact your doctor if you encounter blistering of the skin, as it may be a sign for a condition called 
bullous pemphigoid. Your doctor may ask you to stop Qtern.

Like for all diabetic patients it is important to check your feet regularly and adhere to any other advice 
regarding foot care given by your health care professional.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you develop a combination of symptoms of pain, tenderness, 
redness, or swelling of the genitals or the area between the genitals and the anus with fever or feeling 



36

generally unwell. These symptoms could be a sign of a rare but serious or even life-threatening 
infection, called necrotising fasciitis of the perineum or Fournier’s gangrene which destroys the tissue 
under the skin. Fournier’s gangrene has to be treated immediately.

Kidney function
Your kidneys should be checked before you start taking and whilst you are on this medicine.

Urine tests
Because of how Qtern works, your urine will test positive for sugar while you are on this medicine.

Children and adolescents
Qtern is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, because it has not been 
studied in these patients.

Other medicines and Qtern
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines.

Especially tell your doctor:
- if you are taking a medicine used to increase the amount of water you pass out of the body 

(diuretic). Your doctor may ask you to stop taking Qtern. Possible signs of losing too much fluid 
from your body are listed at the top of section 4.

- if you are using medicines containing any of the following active substances:
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin. These may be used to control fits (seizures) or 

chronic pain.
- Dexamethasone – a steroid medicine. This may be used to treat inflammation in different

body parts and organs.
- Rifampicin. This is an antibiotic used to treat infections such as tuberculosis.
- Ketoconazole. This may be used to treat fungal infections.
- Diltiazem. This is a medicine used to treat angina (chest pain) and lower blood pressure.

If any of the above apply to you (or if you are not sure), talk to your doctor before taking Qtern.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask 
your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Qtern is not recommended during 
pregnancy and your doctor will ask you to stop taking this medicine if you become pregnant. Talk to 
your doctor about the best way to control your blood sugar while you are pregnant.

You should not use Qtern if you are breast-feeding. It is not known if this medicine passes into human 
breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you would like to or are breast-feeding before taking this medicine.

Driving and using machines
Qtern is not expected to affect you being able to drive a car or use any tools or machines. If you feel 
dizzy while taking Qtern, do not drive or use any tools or machines. Taking this medicine can cause 
blood sugar levels to fall too low (hypoglycaemia), which may cause symptoms such as shaking, 
sweating and change in vision, and may affect your ability to drive and use machines.

Qtern contains lactose
Qtern contains lactose (milk sugar). If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance 
to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

Sodium content
Qtern contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say it is essentially ‘sodium-free’.

3. How to take Qtern



37

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or 
nurse if you are not sure.

How much to take
- The recommended dose is one tablet a day.

Taking this medicine
- Swallow the tablet whole with half a glass of water.
- You can take your tablet with or without food.
- You can take the tablet at any time of the day. However, try to take it at the same time each day. 

This will help you to remember to take it.

Your doctor may prescribe other medicines to lower the amount of sugar in your blood. Remember to 
take other medicine(s) as your doctor has told you. This will help get the best results for your health.

Diet and exercise
To control your diabetes, you still need to keep to diet and exercise, even when you are taking this 
medicine. So it is important to keep following the advice about diet and exercise from your doctor, 
pharmacist or nurse. In particular, if you are following a diabetic weight control diet, continue to 
follow it while you are taking Qtern.

If you take more Qtern than you should
If you take more Qtern tablets than you should, talk to a doctor or go to a hospital straight away. Take 
the medicine pack with you.

If you forget to take Qtern
What to do if you forget to take a tablet.
- If it is less than 12 hours since you should have taken your dose, take a dose of Qtern as soon as 

you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time.
- If it is more than 12 hours since you should have taken your dose, skip the missed dose. Then 

take your next dose at the usual time.
- Do not take a double dose of Qtern to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you stop taking Qtern
Do not stop taking Qtern without talking to your doctor first. Your blood sugar may increase without 
this medicine.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Some symptoms need immediate medical attention:
Stop taking Qtern and see a doctor straight away if you notice any of the following serious side 
effects:

- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction seen rarely, (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people), which 
may include:
- Rash
- Raised red patches on your skin (hives)
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or

swallowing.

Your doctor may prescribe a medicine to treat your allergic reaction and a different
medicine for your diabetes.



38

- Pancreatitis, seen uncommonly (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): severe and persistent pain in 
the abdomen (stomach area) which might reach through to your back, as well as nausea and
vomiting, as it could be a sign of an inflamed pancreas.

- Dehydration, (loss of too much fluid from your body), seen uncommonly (may affect up to 
1 in 100 people).
These are signs of dehydration:
- very dry or sticky mouth, feeling very thirsty
- feeling very sleepy or tired
- passing little or no water (urine)
- fast heart beat.

- Urinary tract infection, seen commonly (may affect up to 1 in 10 people).
These are signs of a severe infection of the urinary tract:
- fever and/or chills
- burning sensation when passing water (urinating)
- pain in your back or side.
Although uncommon, if you see blood in your urine, tell your doctor immediately.

- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia), seen very commonly (may affect more than 1 in
10 people) if used with other diabetes medicines known to cause hypoglycaemia.
These are the signs of low blood sugar:
- shaking, sweating, feeling very anxious, fast heart beat
- feeling hungry, headache, change in vision
- a change in your mood or feeling confused.
Your doctor will tell you how to treat low blood sugar levels and what to do if you get any of the 
signs above.

- Diabetic ketoacidosis, seen rarely (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
These are the signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (see also section 2 Warnings and precautions):
- increased levels of “ketone bodies” in your urine or blood
- rapid weight loss
- feeling sick or being sick
- stomach pain
- excessive thirst
- fast and deep breathing
- confusion
- unusual sleepiness or tiredness
- a sweet smell to your breath, a sweet or metallic taste in your mouth or a different odour to 
your urine or sweat.
This may occur regardless of blood glucose level. Your doctor may decide to temporarily or 
permanently stop your treatment with Qtern.

- Necrotising fasciitis of the perineum or Fournier’s gangrene, a serious soft tissue infection of 
the genitals or the area between the genitals and the anus, seen very rarely (may affect up to 1 in 
10,000 people).

Stop taking Qtern and see a doctor or nurse straight away, if you notice any of the serious side effects 
above.

Other side effects when taking Qtern alone or in combination with metformin:
Common 
- genital infection (thrush) of your penis or vagina (signs may include irritation, itching, unusual 

discharge or odour)
- back pain



39

- passing more water (urine) than usual or needing to pass water more often
- changes in the amount of cholesterol or fats in your blood (shown in tests)
- increases in the amount of red blood cells in your blood (shown in tests)
- decreases in creatinine renal clearance (shown in tests)
- dizziness
- tiredness
- stomach ache 
- severe joint pain (arthralgia)
- infection of the upper chest or lungs
- infection of the sinuses with a feeling of pain and fullness behind your cheeks and eyes 

(sinusitis)
- inflamed nose or throat (nasopharyngitis) (signs of this may include a cold or a sore throat)
- stomach ache and indigestion (dyspepsia)
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- inflamed stomach or gut usually caused by an infection (gastroenteritis)
- headache, muscle pain (myalgia)
- vomiting, inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
- changes in laboratory tests (for example creatinine renal clearance decreased or haematocrit 

increased).
- rash

Uncommon 
- thirst
- constipation
- awakening from sleep at night to pass urine
- dry mouth
- weight decreased
- increases in creatinine or urea (shown in laboratory blood tests)
- decrease in kidney function
- skin rash that may include raised bumps, skin irritation, or unpleasant itchiness
- difficulties in getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction).
- fungal infection
- hypersensitivity reactions
- itching in the genital area (pruritus genital or vulvovaginal pruritus) or discomfort while 

urinating.

Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
- blistering of the skin (bullous pemphigoid)

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side 
effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting 
system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the 
safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Qtern

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is stated on the blister and carton after ‘EXP’. 
The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


40

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Qtern contains
- The active substances are saxagliptin and dapagliflozin.

Each tablet contains saxagliptin hydrochloride equivalent to 5 mg saxagliptin and 
dapagliflozin propanediol monohydrate equivalent to 10 mg dapagliflozin.

- The other ingredients are:
- tablet core: microcrystalline cellulose (E460i), croscarmellose sodium (E468) (see section 2 

‘Sodium content’), anhydrous lactose (see section 2 ‘Qtern contains lactose’), magnesium 
stearate (E470b), dental type silica (E551).

- film-coating: polyvinyl alcohol (E1203), macrogol 3350, titanium dioxide (E171), talc 
(E553b), yellow iron oxide (E172), red iron oxide (E172).

- printing ink: shellac, indigo carmine aluminium lake (E132).

What Qtern looks like and contents of the pack
Qtern 5 mg/10 mg film-coated tablets are light brown to brown, biconvex, round, film-coated tablets, 
with “5/10” printed on one side, and “1122” printed on the other side, in blue ink.

Qtern 5 mg/10 mg tablets are available in aluminium blisters in pack sizes of 14, 28, or 98 film-coated 
tablets in calendar blisters and 30 film-coated tablets in blister.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed in your country.

Marketing Authorisation Holder
AstraZeneca AB
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden

Manufacturer
AstraZeneca AB
Gärtunavägen
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden

AstraZeneca UK Limited
Silk Road Business Park
Macclesfield
Cheshire SK10 2NA
United Kingdom

AstraZeneca GmbH
Tinsdaler Weg 183
22880 Wedel
Germany



41

For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder:

België/Belgique/Belgien
AstraZeneca S.A./N.V. 
Tel: +32 2 370 48 11

Lietuva
UAB AstraZeneca Lietuva
Tel: +370 5 2660550

България
АстраЗенека България ЕООД
Тел.: +359 2 4455000

Luxembourg/Luxemburg
AstraZeneca S.A./N.V. 
Tél/Tel: +32 2 370 48 11

Česká republika
AstraZeneca Czech Republic s.r.o.
Tel: +420 222 807 111

Magyarország
AstraZeneca Kft.
Tel.: +36 1 883 6500

Danmark
AstraZeneca A/S
Tlf: +45 43 66 64 62

Malta
Associated Drug Co. Ltd 
Tel: +356 2277 8000

Deutschland
AstraZeneca GmbH
Tel: +49 41 03 7080

Nederland
AstraZeneca BV
Tel: +31 79 363 2222

Eesti
AstraZeneca
Tel: +372 6549 600

Norge
AstraZeneca AS
Tlf: +47 21 00 64 00

Ελλάδα
AstraZeneca A.E. 
Τηλ: +30 2 106871500

Österreich
AstraZeneca Österreich GmbH
Tel: +43 1 711 31 0

España
AstraZeneca Farmacéutica Spain, S.A.
Tel: +34 91 301 91 00

Polska
AstraZeneca Pharma Poland Sp. z o.o. 
Tel.: +48 22 245 73 00

France
AstraZeneca
Tél: +33 1 41 29 40 00

Portugal
AstraZeneca Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda. 
Tel: +351 21 434 61 00

Hrvatska 
AstraZeneca d.o.o.
Tel: +385 1 4628 000

România
AstraZeneca Pharma SRL 
Tel: +40 21 317 60 41

Ireland
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) DAC
Tel: +353 1609 7100

Slovenija
AstraZeneca UK Limited 
Tel: +386 1 51 35 600

Ísland
Vistor hf.
Sími: +354 535 7000

Slovenská republika
AstraZeneca AB, o.z. 
Tel: +421 2 5737 7777 

Italia
AstraZeneca S.p.A.
Tel: +39 02 9801 1

Suomi/Finland
AstraZeneca Oy 
Puh/Tel: +358 10 23 010

Κύπρος
Αλέκτωρ Φαρµακευτική Λτδ

Sverige
AstraZeneca AB



42

Τηλ: +357 22490305 Tel: +46 8 553 26 000

Latvija
SIA AstraZeneca Latvija
Tel: +371 67377100

United Kingdom
AstraZeneca UK Ltd
Tel: +44 1582 836 836

This leaflet was last revised in 

Other sources of information
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET