Sitagliptin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug sitagliptin?

What is sitagliptin for?

Sitagliptin is a drug used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other drugs to control high blood sugar levels. This medicine is used in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and problems with sexual function. Proper diabetes control can also reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Sitagliptin is an anti-diabetic drug that works by increasing the levels of natural substances called incretins. Incretins help to control blood sugar by increasing insulin release, especially after a meal. It also reduces the amount of sugar made by the liver.

How to use sitagliptin?

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking sitagliptin and each time you get a refill. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment. Take this drug regularly to get optimal benefits. You need to remember to take the medicine at the same time every day. Plan the medications, meals, and exercise programs recommended by your doctor.

Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Follow all progress of the results, and discuss with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your blood sugar measurement is too high or too low. Your dosage and medication may need to be changed.

How is sitagliptin stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Sitagliptin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the sitagliptin dosage for adults?

100 mg orally once a day.

What is the sitagliptin dosage for children?

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients (less than 18 years) have not been determined.

In what dosage is sitagliptin available?

25 mg tablets 50 mg 100 mg

Sitagliptin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to sitagliptin?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using sitagliptin and call your doctor at once if you have serious side effects such as:

• pancreatitis - severe pain in the upper abdomen spreading to the back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fast heart rate;
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath
• skin reactions - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, a burning sensation in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling skin

Less serious side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
• headache, back pain, joint or muscle pain
• nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Sitagliptin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using sitagliptin?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

There are no precise studies on the relationship of age to the effects of sitagliptin in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have yet to be determined

Elderly

There are no precise studies to date that show a specific problem that will limit the usefulness of sitagliptin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require adjusting the stigliptin dose for elderly patients.

Is sitagliptin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Sitagliptin Drug Interactions

What drugs may interact with sitagliptin?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Balofloxacin
• Besifloxacin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Eliglustat
• Enoxacin
• Fleroxacin
• Flumequine
• Gatifloxacin
• Gemifloxacin
• Degludec Insulin
• Levofloxacin
• Lomefloxacin
• Lomitapide
• Moxifloxacin
• Nadifloxacin
• Nilotinib
• Norfloxacin
• Ofloxacin
• Pazufloxacin
• Pefloxacin
• Prulifloxacin
• Rufloxacin
• Simeprevir
• Sparfloxacin
• Tocophersolan
• Tosufloxacin
• Ulipristal

Can food or alcohol interact with sitagliptin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with sitagliptin?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• excessive alcohol consumption
• gallbladder stones
• hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels in the blood)
• hypertriglyceridemia (high levels of triglycerides or fats in the blood)
• history of pancreatic problems - use with caution. May increase the risk for getting pancreatitis (swelling and inflammation of the pancreas)
• angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs), history with this drug or other dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors - use with caution. Can increase the risk of this condition happening again
• diabetic ketoacidosis (high levels of ketones and acids in the blood)
• type diabetes - should not be used in patients with this condition
• kidney disease, moderate or severe - use with caution. The effect can be increased due to slower removal of the drug from the body

Sitagliptin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.