Sitagliptin (By mouth)
sit-a-GLIP-tin
Treats type 2 diabetes.
Drug classes
Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Sitagliptin is used alone or together with other medicines (eg, insulin, glimepiride, metformin, or pioglitazone) and with proper diet and exercise to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. Sitagliptin 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. This medicine does not help patients who have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
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.
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.
Some foods and medicines can affect how sitagliptin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using digoxin or insulin or another diabetes medicine
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sitagliptin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or a history of pancreas problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Pancreatitis Low blood sugar Kidney problems Serious skin reactionsYour 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
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, faintness or lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and 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
Januvia
There may be other brand names for this medicine.