Can you take Epifoam with Sitagliptin?
1 drug interaction and 15 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- Epifoam (hydrocortisone/pramoxine topical)
- sitagliptin
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
hydrocortisone topical SITagliptin
Applies to: Epifoam (hydrocortisone / pramoxine topical) and sitagliptin
Some of the medication in hydrocortisone topical may be absorbed into the bloodstream following application to your skin. When present in sufficient concentrations in the blood, steroids like hydrocortisone topical can interfere with blood sugar control and reduce the effectiveness of SITagliptin and other diabetic medications. Although the absorption of most steroid preparations is limited when used as recommended in the product labeling, absorption may be increased under certain circumstances, such as: when the steroid is strong or highly potent; when the steroid is used for a longer duration; the person being treated is an infant or young child; or the area of skin being treated is large, inflamed, damaged (cut, scraped), thin (like the face), and/or covered with a dressing, wrapping or clothing. Blood sugar should be monitored closely in these situations. You may need a dose adjustment of SITagliptin and/or other diabetic medications if your blood sugar is affected. Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns. Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency and duration of use when treated with products that contain steroids, including some over-the counter products. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
SITagliptin Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: sitagliptin
Alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur, depending on how much and how often you drink. You should avoid using alcohol if your diabetes is not well controlled or if you have high triglycerides, neuropathy (nerve damage), or pancreatitis. Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not affect blood glucose levels if your diabetes is under control. However, it may be best to limit alcohol intake to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men (1 drink = 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz distilled spirits) in conjunction with your normal meal plan. Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or following exercise, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Disease interactions
14 potential interactions Applies to: 12 conditions, including Heart Failure, Diabetes Mellitus, Cataract, Liver Disease, and Pancreatitis.
Abnormal Glucose Tolerance
Moderate:
Epifoam
The hydrocortisone topical in Epifoam has a moderate potential interaction with Abnormal Glucose Tolerance.
Corticosteroids can raise blood glucose level by antagonizing the action and suppressing the secretion of insulin, which results in inhibition of peripheral glucose uptake and increased gluconeogenesis. Therapy with topical corticosteroids rarely produces these effects but should be administered cautiously nonetheless in patients with diabetes mellitus, glucose intolerance, or a predisposition to hyperglycemia. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids may occur depending on the vehicle and concentration of the preparation, the size of the application area, the integrity of the skin, and the duration of administration. Use of occlusive dressings over the applied areas may also increase percutaneous absorption. Given equivalent doses, small children are generally at the greatest risk because of their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. If possible, the use of highly potent agents (e.g., augmented betamethasone, clobetasol, diflorasone, and halobetasol) should be avoided in children and limited to small areas for 2 weeks in adults.
Cataract
Moderate:
Epifoam
The hydrocortisone topical in Epifoam has a moderate potential interaction with Cataract.
Prolonged use of corticosteroids may cause posterior subcapsular cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure, the latter of which may lead to glaucoma and/or damage to the optic nerves. Therapy with topical corticosteroids rarely produces these effects but should be administered cautiously nonetheless in patients with a history of cataracts, glaucoma, or increased intraocular pressure, especially when potent agents (e.g., augmented betamethasone, clobetasol, diflorasone, and halobetasol) are used in the periorbital area. Topical corticosteroids may be systemically absorbed, depending on the vehicle and concentration of the preparation, the size of the application area, the duration of administration, and whether or not occlusive dressings are used. Given equivalent doses, small children are generally at the greatest risk because of their larger skin surface to body mass ratios.
Diabetes Mellitus
Moderate:
Epifoam
The hydrocortisone topical in Epifoam has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Corticosteroids can raise blood glucose level by antagonizing the action and suppressing the secretion of insulin, which results in inhibition of peripheral glucose uptake and increased gluconeogenesis. Therapy with topical corticosteroids rarely produces these effects but should be administered cautiously nonetheless in patients with diabetes mellitus, glucose intolerance, or a predisposition to hyperglycemia. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids may occur depending on the vehicle and concentration of the preparation, the size of the application area, the integrity of the skin, and the duration of administration. Use of occlusive dressings over the applied areas may also increase percutaneous absorption. Given equivalent doses, small children are generally at the greatest risk because of their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. If possible, the use of highly potent agents (e.g., augmented betamethasone, clobetasol, diflorasone, and halobetasol) should be avoided in children and limited to small areas for 2 weeks in adults.
Diaper Rash
Moderate:
Epifoam
The hydrocortisone topical in Epifoam has a moderate potential interaction with Diaper Rash.
Topical corticosteroids, especially the potent agents (e.g., augmented betamethasone, clobetasol, diflorasone, and halobetasol), are generally not recommended for use in the treatment of diaper rash. Topical corticosteroids may be systemically absorbed, depending on the vehicle and concentration of the preparation, the size of the application area, the duration of administration, and whether or not occlusive dressings are used. Given equivalent doses, small children are usually at the greatest risk for systemic toxicity such as adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome and intracranial hypertension because of their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. If topical corticosteroids are necessary to treat diaper rash, medium- to low-potency agents should preferably be used, and parents should be advised not to put tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants over the rash, since occlusion of treated area may increase percutaneous drug absorption.
Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension
Moderate:
Epifoam
The hydrocortisone topical in Epifoam has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
Prolonged use of corticosteroids may cause posterior subcapsular cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure, the latter of which may lead to glaucoma and/or damage to the optic nerves. Therapy with topical corticosteroids rarely produces these effects but should be administered cautiously nonetheless in patients with a history of cataracts, glaucoma, or increased intraocular pressure, especially when potent agents (e.g., augmented betamethasone, clobetasol, diflorasone, and halobetasol) are used in the periorbital area. Topical corticosteroids may be systemically absorbed, depending on the vehicle and concentration of the preparation, the size of the application area, the duration of administration, and whether or not occlusive dressings are used. Given equivalent doses, small children are generally at the greatest risk because of their larger skin surface to body mass ratios.
Heart Failure
Moderate:
sitagliptin
SITagliptin has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.
Consider the risks and benefits of sitagliptin prior to initiating treatment in patients at risk for heart failure, such as those with a prior history of heart failure and a history of renal impairment. Observe these patients for signs and symptoms of heart failure during therapy.
Hyperadrenocorticism
Moderate:
Epifoam
The hydrocortisone topical in Epifoam has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperadrenocorticism.
The use of topical corticosteroids may precipitate or aggravate conditions of hyperadrenocorticism. Systemic absorption of these agents can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression. Systemic absorption, depends on the vehicle and concentration of the preparation, the size of the application area, the duration of administration, and whether or not occlusive dressings are used. Given equivalent doses, small children are generally at the greatest risk because of their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. Patients with an altered skin barrier or liver failure are also at increased risk. If possible, the use of highly potent agents (e.g., augmented betamethasone, clobetasol, diflorasone, and halobetasol) should be avoided in children and limited to small areas for 2 weeks in adults. The development of symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, acneiform lesions, cataracts and cushingoid features during topical corticosteroid therapy may indicate excessive use.
Infection
Moderate:
Epifoam
The hydrocortisone topical in Epifoam has a moderate potential interaction with Infection.
Topical corticosteroids may be systemically absorbed, depending on the vehicle and concentration of the preparation, the size of the application area, the duration of administration, and whether or not occlusive dressings are used. Clinically significant local as well as systemic immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory effects may occur, which can cause or exacerbate an infection. Given equivalent doses, small children are generally at the greatest risk because of their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. Therapy with topical corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with latent or active infections, particularly if a potent agent is used on a large area for prolonged periods or if occlusive dressings are used. Effective antimicrobial therapy or other appropriate treatment should be instituted to treat the infection. If possible, the use of highly potent agents (e.g., augmented betamethasone, clobetasol, diflorasone, and halobetasol) should be avoided in children and limited to small areas for 2 weeks in adults. Occlusive dressings should not be used in patients with skin infection.
Liver Disease
Moderate:
Epifoam
The hydrocortisone topical in Epifoam has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
The use of topical corticosteroids may precipitate or aggravate conditions of hyperadrenocorticism. Systemic absorption of these agents can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression. Systemic absorption, depends on the vehicle and concentration of the preparation, the size of the application area, the duration of administration, and whether or not occlusive dressings are used. Given equivalent doses, small children are generally at the greatest risk because of their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. Patients with an altered skin barrier or liver failure are also at increased risk. If possible, the use of highly potent agents (e.g., augmented betamethasone, clobetasol, diflorasone, and halobetasol) should be avoided in children and limited to small areas for 2 weeks in adults. The development of symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, acneiform lesions, cataracts and cushingoid features during topical corticosteroid therapy may indicate excessive use.
Moderate:
sitagliptin
SITagliptin has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Sitagliptin has not been studied in patients with severe liver dysfunction
Pancreatitis
Moderate:
sitagliptin
SITagliptin has a moderate potential interaction with Pancreatitis.
There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis or pancreatic disease, although it is unknown if they are at increased risk. Patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis during treatment. If pancreatitis is suspected, treatment should be discontinued immediately and appropriate management should be initiated.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
sitagliptin
SITagliptin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
It is recommended to assess renal function prior to initiating treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors and periodically thereafter. Patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency and end stage renal dysfunction will require a dose adjustment. Linagliptin will not require a dose adjustment per manufacturer's information. Additionally, there have been postmarketing reports of worsening renal function in some patients with renal insufficiency taking sitagliptin at inappropriate doses.
Moderate:
sitagliptin
SITagliptin has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Consider the risks and benefits of sitagliptin prior to initiating treatment in patients at risk for heart failure, such as those with a prior history of heart failure and a history of renal impairment. Observe these patients for signs and symptoms of heart failure during therapy.
Tuberculosis, Latent
Moderate:
Epifoam
The hydrocortisone topical in Epifoam has a moderate potential interaction with Tuberculosis, Latent.
Topical corticosteroids may be systemically absorbed, depending on the vehicle and concentration of the preparation, the size of the application area, the duration of administration, and whether or not occlusive dressings are used. Clinically significant local as well as systemic immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory effects may occur, which can cause or exacerbate an infection. Given equivalent doses, small children are generally at the greatest risk because of their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. Therapy with topical corticosteroids should be administered cautiously in patients with latent or active infections, particularly if a potent agent is used on a large area for prolonged periods or if occlusive dressings are used. Effective antimicrobial therapy or other appropriate treatment should be instituted to treat the infection. If possible, the use of highly potent agents (e.g., augmented betamethasone, clobetasol, diflorasone, and halobetasol) should be avoided in children and limited to small areas for 2 weeks in adults. Occlusive dressings should not be used in patients with skin infection.
More resources
Epifoam
A total of 56 drugs are known to interact with Epifoam.
- Epifoam is in the drug class anorectal preparations.
- Epifoam is used to treat the following conditions:
sitagliptin
A total of 345 drugs are known to interact with sitagliptin.
- Sitagliptin is in the drug class dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors.
- Sitagliptin is used to treat Type 2 Diabetes.
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.