Uses
Sitagliptin/metformin is
used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood
sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood
sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems,
loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may
also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
This
product contains 2 medications: sitagliptin and metformin. Sitagliptin
works by increasing levels of natural substances called incretins. Incretins
help to control blood sugar by increasing insulin release,
especially after a meal. They also decrease the amount of sugar your liver makes.
Metformin works by helping to restore your bodys proper response to the insulin
you naturally produce. It also decreases the amount of sugar that your liver
makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, headache,
or a metallic taste in the mouth may occur. A tablet may
also appear in your stool. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly. If stomach symptoms return
later (after taking the same dose for several days or weeks), tell your doctor
right away. Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of your treatment
may be signs of lactic acidosis.
Remember
that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has
judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many
people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell
your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: joint
pain, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine), unusual skin blisters, signs of heart failure (such
as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden
weight gain).
Get
medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
signs of disease of the pancreas (such as severe stomach/abdominal
pain which may spread to the back, persistent nausea/vomiting).
This
medication does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Low
blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications,
or if you do not consume enough calories from food, or if you do unusually
heavy exercise. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the dose
of your other diabetes medication(s) needs to be lowered.
Symptoms
of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast
heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling
hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to
treat low blood sugar. If you dont have these reliable forms of glucose,
rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such
as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell
your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help
prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not
skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do
if you miss a meal.
Symptoms
of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination,
confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If
these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be
increased.
A
very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get
medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),
severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This
is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before
taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you
are allergic to sitagliptin or metformin; or if you have any
other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before
using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,
especially of: kidney disease, severe breathing problems (such
as obstructive lung disease, severe asthma), liver disease, a
disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), stones in your gallbladder (gallstones).
Before
having surgery or any X-ray/scanning procedure using iodinated contrast, tell
your doctor or dentist about all the products you use
(including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products). You may need to stop this medication for a short time for the
surgery/procedure. Ask your doctor or dentist for instructions before your
surgery/procedure.
You
may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to
extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any
activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure
you can perform such activities safely.
Limit
alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of
developing lactic acidosis, pancreatitis, and low blood sugar.
High
fever, "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide),
too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of
too much body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of lactic acidosis.
Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have
prolonged diarrhea or vomiting. Be sure to drink enough fluids to
prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
It
may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed
(such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor
because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications,
or blood sugar testing.
Older
adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially low
blood sugar or lactic acidosis.
Metformin
can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) and
increase the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
about the use of reliable birth control while using this medication.
During pregnancy,
this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor.
Pregnancy
may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan with your doctor for managing
your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may change your diabetes
treatment during your pregnancy (such as diet and medications
including insulin).
Metformin
passes into breast milk. It is unknown if sitagliptin passes into
breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.