Sitagliptin

💊 What is Sitagliptin used for?

• •The label says sitagliptin is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The label says it should not be used in people with type 1 diabetes. It has not been studied in people with a history of pancreatitis, so the label cannot say whether those people have a higher risk of pancreatitis while taking it.

How it works

The label describes sitagliptin as an inhibitor of an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). It is part of a group of medicines called DPP-4 inhibitors. The label does not explain this in more detail.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says to take one tablet once a day, exactly as your doctor tells you. It can be taken with or without food. Your doctor may do blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working, before and during treatment. Your doctor may also ask you to check your blood sugar and have regular blood tests, including a hemoglobin A1C test. The label says to stay on your prescribed diet and exercise plan. If you miss a dose, the label says to take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Comes as

• •Film-coated tablets in three strengths: 25 mg (pink, engraved S25), 50 mg (light beige, engraved S50), and 100 mg (beige, engraved S100)
• •Supplied in bottles of 30 or 90 tablets, depending on strength

⚠️ Sitagliptin side effects

🛑 Who should not take Sitagliptin, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have had a serious allergic reaction to sitagliptin in the past, such as anaphylaxis or angioedema.
• 🚨You are allergic to any ingredient in the tablet. The label says to see the Medication Guide for the full list of ingredients.
• 🚨You have type 1 diabetes. The label says sitagliptin should not be used in this condition.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your doctor if you have ever had pancreatitis, high blood triglyceride levels, gallstones, kidney problems, heart failure, or a history of alcoholism.
• •Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed.
• •The label says the safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
• •The label says your doctor will check your kidney function with blood tests before and during treatment.

🔀 Sitagliptin with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Taking sitagliptin with an insulin secretagogue (such as a sulfonylurea) or with insulin can raise the risk of low blood sugar. The label says the dose of the sulfonylurea or insulin may need to be lowered.
• •Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine you take, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Alcohol and food

The label says sitagliptin can be taken with or without food. The label lists a history of alcoholism as a condition to tell your doctor about before starting, because it is linked to a higher chance of pancreatitis. The label does not give other specific alcohol instructions.

🤰 Sitagliptin in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says there is not enough data to know whether sitagliptin causes major birth defects or miscarriage. It also says poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy carries risks for both the mother and the baby. The label says it is not known if sitagliptin will harm an unborn baby, and if you are pregnant, you should talk with your doctor about the best way to control your blood sugar.

Breastfeeding

The label says it is not known if sitagliptin passes into breast milk. Sitagliptin has been found in the milk of lactating rats, so it may be present in human milk. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take sitagliptin.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label text provided does not include the full storage instructions. Ask your pharmacist how to store your tablets.

If a dose is missed

The label says to take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.

If too much is taken

The label says that if you take too much sitagliptin, call your doctor or your local Poison Control Center right away. The label says sitagliptin can be partly removed from the body by hemodialysis, but the label does not give other specific treatment steps for patients.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Sitagliptin

• How will you check my kidney function, and how often will I need blood tests?
• How often should I check my blood sugar at home, and what should I do if it is too low?
• Which of my current medicines could raise my risk of low blood sugar with sitagliptin?
• What symptoms should make me call you right away, such as stomach pain or trouble breathing?
• What should I do if I get sick, have a fever, or need surgery while taking this medicine?
• Is this medicine safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding in my situation?

❓ Sitagliptin: frequently asked questions