Sitagliptin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Sitagliptin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It helps the body release more insulin when blood sugar is high, which lowers blood sugar. In India it is a prescription medicine, used together with the diet and activity plan your doctor gives you.
Also known as: Sitagliptin 100 mg, Sitagliptin phosphate, Sitagliptin tablet, Gliptin, Diabetes tablet
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Sitagliptin work?
Sitagliptin blocks an enzyme (DPP-4) that breaks down gut hormones called incretins. The hormones last longer, so the pancreas releases more insulin when blood sugar is high and the liver releases less sugar.
How to take Sitagliptin
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Sitagliptin is usually taken once a day with or without food, and the dose is set by your doctor, who may change it if your kidneys are not working well. Do not stop it without talking to your doctor.
Side effects of Sitagliptin
Most people take this medicine without serious problems. Some effects are mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Headache
- Stuffy or runny nose, or sore throat
- Upset stomach or diarrhoea
- Low blood sugar if taken with insulin or a sulfonylurea
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Severe, lasting stomach pain, sometimes reaching the back (pancreatitis). Get medical help immediately
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a severe rash (allergic reaction)
- Blisters or peeling skin
- Severe joint pain
- Shortness of breath or swollen legs (heart failure has been reported with medicines of this group)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking it, or need extra care while taking it. Tell every doctor, dentist and hospital that you take it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to sitagliptin or a similar medicine
- Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Past pancreatitis, unless your doctor decides otherwise
- Pancreatitis, gallstones or heavy alcohol use: these raise the risk of pancreatitis
- Kidney disease: the dose may need to change
- Heart failure: tell your doctor
- Illness with vomiting, diarrhoea or fever: contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice about your diabetes medicines. Do not stop on your own unless told
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not normally used
Medicines and things that interact with Sitagliptin
This medicine can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies.
- Insulin and sulfonylurea tablets: low blood sugar becomes more likely, so doses may need to change
- Digoxin: its level may be affected
- Steroids, thiazide water tablets and oestrogens: they can raise blood sugar
Effects on lab tests
- Kidney function test: checked before and during treatment
- Blood sugar and HbA1c tests: used to check how well the diabetes is controlled
If someone takes too much
Taking much more than prescribed is a medical matter. If someone has taken too much, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient sitagliptin is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Combination products also contain other medicines, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Sitagliptin belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Sitagliptin
These medicines sold in India contain Sitagliptin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Januvia 100 · 100 mg tablet
What is Sitagliptin used for?
Medicines that contain Sitagliptin are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Sitagliptin.
Common questions
Is Sitagliptin a medicine for sugar (diabetes)?
Yes. Sitagliptin is used to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and activity. It is a prescription medicine, so do not start, stop or change it without your doctor's advice.
What are the warning signs of pancreatitis?
Severe stomach pain that does not go away, sometimes spreading to the back, with or without vomiting. It is rare but serious. Get medical help straight away and tell the doctor you take sitagliptin.
Sources
- Sitagliptin: a medicine for type 2 diabetes. NHS (UK)
- Sitagliptin and metformin tablets (Zituvimet): prescribing information, openFDA record. openFDA, US Food and Drug Administration
- Type 2 diabetes: treatment. NHS (UK)
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission