Sitagliptin - Common brands: Januvia

What sitagliptin is for

Sitagliptin is used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes happens when your body does not make enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes does not work properly (insulin resistance). Without enough insulin, your blood sugar (glucose) can get too high.

Sitagliptin works by increasing insulin in your body to lower your blood sugar level.

It’s sometimes prescribed together with other diabetes medicines such as insulin, if they’ve not worked on their own.

How to take sitagliptin

Sitagliptin comes as tablets you take once a day

You'll usually take sitagliptin long term. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

When taking sitagliptin:

• take it at the same time each day
• swallow your tablets whole with a glass of water (do not crush or chew them)
• you can take it with or without food

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you’re not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of sitagliptin

If you forget to take a dose of sitagliptin, take it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much sitagliptin

Taking an extra dose of sitagliptin can be dangerous.

Side effects of sitagliptin

Like all medicines, sitagliptin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

A common side effect of sitagliptin is headaches. This is usually when you take it on its own and not with other diabetic medicine.

If you take sitagliptin alongside other diabetic medicines, it may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia, or a hypo). This can make you feel dizzy, feel sick (nauseous), make you sick (vomit), feel very hungry or very tired.

If you get symptoms of a hypo, eat or drink something sugary to raise your blood sugar level quickly. If this happens often, see your GP.

Sitagliptin should not affect your ability to drive but if you feel sleepy, dizzy or have blurred vision, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Serious side effects

Sitagliptin can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of sitagliptin include:

• swelling of your pancreas (pancreatitis) – causing symptoms such as severe pain in your stomach or your back that does not go away
• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• an itchy or painful rash, mouth ulcers or blisters and trouble breathing - this could be a sign of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• an allergic reaction in the face, hands or feet (angioedema) – causing symptoms such as swelling, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing

Who can and cannot take sitagliptin

Most adults can take sitagliptin, but it's not suitable for everyone.

For example, it may not be suitable for you if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from sitagliptin or a similar medicine before
• you have gallstones or have alcohol-use disorder as it can increase the risk of pancreatitis
• you have problems with your liver or kidneys

Before taking sitagliptin, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and sitagliptin

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Sitagliptin is not usually used if you're breastfeeding. Your doctor will suggest stopping sitagliptin or using a different medicine.

Pregnancy and sitagliptin

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or get pregnant while taking sitagliptin.

Sitagliptin is not used during pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest stopping sitagliptin or using a different medicine.

Find out more about taking antidiabetic drugs such as sitagliptin during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking sitagliptin with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with sitagliptin.

You may not be able to take

These include:

• medicines for high blood sugar, such as insulin, metformin and gliclazide
• digoxin, a medicine for heart problems

If you take any of these medicines, your doctor may want to change your dose.

Before taking sitagliptin, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food and alcohol with sitagliptin

Follow your doctor's advice about diet while taking sitagliptin as part of your diabetes treatment, to reduce the chances of your blood sugar level getting too low. This may include eating a healthy diet and not skipping or delaying meals.

It's best not to drink alcohol while taking sitagliptin because it can affect your blood sugar level.

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