Uses
Sitagliptin is
used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with
other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used 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.
Sitagliptin
is a diabetes drug that 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.
Side Effects
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.
Although sitagliptin by
itself usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low
blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications.
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 about the reaction right away. Low blood sugar is more
likely if you drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise,
or do not consume enough calories from food. 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 doctor may need to
adjust your diabetes medication(s).
Tell
your doctor right away of any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney problems
(such as change in the amount of urine), joint pain, 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 pancreatitis (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, loss
of appetite, severe stomach/abdominal/back pain).
A
very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get
medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction: 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 sitagliptin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are
allergic to it; 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, heart failure, disease of
the pancreas (pancreatitis), stones in your gallbladder (gallstones).
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 low blood sugar.
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 increased stress may require a change in your treatment plan, medications,
or blood sugar testing.
Before
having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products
you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
During pregnancy this
medication should be used only when clearly needed. 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. Discuss the risks and benefits of different treatments (such as
diet, exercise, and medications including insulin).
It
is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding.