Sitagliptin

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Januvia

Popular combinations:

Janumet (with metformin)

Drug group:

Drug for diabetes, DPP-4 inhibitor

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Sitagliptin is used to treat Type 2 diabetes:

• Used alone, or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs - such as metformin or insulin
• Useful in overweight patients - unlike the sulphonylureas, gliptins do not cause weight gain

How does it work?

• Sitagliptin blocks the breakdown of incretins (hormones that help increase insulin production only when needed, especially after a meal), therefore increasing insulin levels after meals, which helps to prevent a blood sugar “high” after meals
• Because incretins act only when needed, sitagliptin is less likely to cause abnormally low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) than other antidiabetic drugs

How should it be used?

• The management of type II diabetes includes: a diabetic diet, exercise, and weight control
• Eat or drink something sugary if you have signs of low blood sugar
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines - many drugs may interact with sitagliptin to affect blood sugar levels, and some medicines contain sugar

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

100mg once daily, can be taken with or without food

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1 hour                  

How long will the effects last?

Up to 24 hours     

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor.
           

Is it safe for prolonged use? 

There is a small increased risk of upper respiratory tract and urinary infections when taking sitagliptin long-term.

Regular monitoring of your diabetes control is needed, which includes blood tests for glucose levels and kidney function, and assessment of the eyes and heart.                                      

What are the possible side effects?

Serious side effects are rare with sitagliptin.

The following have been reported:

• More common: abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea
• Less common: symptoms of low blood sugar (headache, sweating, weakness, tremor, dizziness, faintness, confusion)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash, skin blistering, severe abdominal pain, vomiting

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: kidney problems, history of pancreatitis
• Other medicines: Beta blockers, digoxin
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established, discuss with your doctor
• Children: Not prescribed
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: Avoid if you have warning signs of low blood sugar
• Alcohol: Avoid, alcohol may upset diabetic control
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: Your dose of sitagliptin may need to be altered, or sometimes insulin may need to be substituted