Generic name: sitagliptin [ SIT-a-GLIP-tin ]
Brand names: Januvia, Zituvio
Dosage forms: oral tablet ((as base) 100 mg, (as base) 25 mg, (as base) 50 mg, (as phosphate) 100 mg, ... show all 6 dosage forms (as phosphate) 25 mg, (as phosphate) 50 mg)
Drug class: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 29, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is sitagliptin?

Sitagliptin is used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (not for type 1 diabetes).

Sitagliptin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Sitagliptin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop taking sitagliptin and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, with or without vomiting.

Sitagliptin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a severe skin reaction-- itching, blisters, breakdown of the outer layer of skin;

• severe or ongoing pain in your joints;

• severely low blood sugar--extreme weakness, confusion, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeats, trouble speaking, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, and seizure (convulsions); or

• kidney or heart problems--swelling, urinating less, rapid weight gain, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of sitagliptin may include:

• cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Call your doctor if you have symptoms of heart failure: shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling in your legs or feet, rapid weight gain.

Stop taking sitagliptin and call your doctor if you have symptoms of pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, with or without vomiting.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use sitagliptin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart problems such as heart failure;

• pancreatitis;

• high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);

• gallstones;

• alcoholism; or

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

It is not known if sitagliptin will harm an unborn baby. Follow your doctor's instructions about using sitagliptin if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I take sitagliptin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take sitagliptin with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.

You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.

Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your medication dosage.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need other medical tests including checking your kidney function.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and special medical care.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Certain brands must be stored in the original container and used within 3 months.

Sitagliptin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:

100 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-When used in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g. sulfonylurea) or insulin, a lower dose of the insulin secretagogue or insulin may be required to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Use: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking sitagliptin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect sitagliptin?

When you start or stop taking sitagliptin, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of other medicines you use on a regular basis.

Many drugs can affect your blood sugar and may also affect sitagliptin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• Can Victoza and Januvia be used together?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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