Sitagliptin/Simvastatin (By mouth)

sit-a-GLIP-tin FOS-fate, sim-va-STAT-in

Treats type 2 diabetes and lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Juvisync will no longer be marketed in the United States as of September 26, 2013, but it may be available in other countries.

Drug classes

Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, Cardiovascular Agent, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Sitagliptin and simvastatin combination is used together with a proper diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also used together with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride (fats) levels in the blood. This medicine may help prevent medical problems caused by clogged blood vessels such as heart attacks and strokes.

Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It helps to control blood sugar levels by increasing substances in the body that make the pancreas release more insulin. It also signals the liver to stop producing sugar (glucose) when there is too much sugar in the blood.

Simvastatin belongs to the group of medicines called statins. It works to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood by blocking the production of cholesterol.

This medicine was available only with your doctor’s prescription. The Juvisync™ product will no longer be marketed in the United States as of September 26, 2013, but may be available in other countries.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take the medicine in the evening, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use this medicine together with boceprevir, cyclosporine, danazol, gemfibrozil, nefazodone, telaprevir, medicine to treat an infection (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, telithromycin, voriconazole), or medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir).

Some foods and medicines can affect how Juvisync works. Tell your doctor if you are using amiodarone, amlodipine, colchicine, digoxin, diltiazem, dronedarone, ranolazine, verapamil, other medicine for lowering cholesterol (such as niacin, fenofibrate, lomitapide), or a blood thinner (such as warfarin).

Tell your doctor if you usually drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol per day or if you drink grapefruit juice.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to sitagliptin or simvastatin, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.

Warnings

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, an underactive thyroid, or a history of liver disease or pancreatitis. Tell your doctor if you have any kind of infection or an injury while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Pancreas problems Myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage) that could lead to kidney damage Liver problems Low blood sugar

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking it for major surgery, a major injury, or other serious health problems.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with tiredness and fever

Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Juvisync

There may be other brand names for this medicine.