sitagliptin Health Article

Generic name(s):

sitagliptin

Brand name(s):

Januvia

What is the most important information I should know about sitagliptin?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to sitagliptin or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking sitagliptin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use sitagliptin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are taking sitagliptin.

Sitagliptin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly other medications. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What is sitagliptin?

Sitagliptin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. It works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.

Sitagliptin is for people with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Sitagliptin is sometimes used in combination with other diabetes medications, but is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Sitagliptin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sitagliptin?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to sitagliptin, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking sitagliptin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use sitagliptin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Your name may need to be listed on a sitagliptin pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

It is not known whether sitagliptin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Sitagliptin should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old without a doctor's advice.

How should I take sitagliptin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Sitagliptin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly other medications. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Your medication needs may change if you become sick or injured, if you have a serious infection, or if you have any type of surgery. Your doctor may want you to stop taking sitagliptin for a short time if any of these situations affect you.

Store sitagliptin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.