How Sitagliptin works

Sitagliptin is an anti-diabetic medication. It works by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas and decreasing the hormones that raise blood sugar levels. This reduces the fasting and postmeal sugar levels.

Side Effects

Headache, Upper respiratory tract infection, Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) in combination with insulin or sulphonylurea, Nasopharyngitis

Usage

Sitagliptin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
It is used in addition to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Sitagliptin a statin?

No, Sitagliptin is not a statin. Sitagliptin is an antidiabetic drug and it belongs to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. while Statin is a class of lipid-lowering drugs.

Q. Is Sitagliptin safe?

Sitagliptin is safe to use when taken for a prescribed duration in the dose advised by a doctor. However, you can experience some common side effects at the prescribed dose also, like a headache, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis and hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar level) when used along with insulin or sulphonylureas.

Q. Is Sitagliptin a blood thinner?

No, Sitagliptin is not a blood thinner. Sitagliptin is an antidiabetic drug and it belongs to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.

Q. When can I stop taking Sitagliptin ?

Do not stop taking Sitagliptin until advised by your doctor as this can lead to a sudden rise in your blood sugar levels. However, in case you experience stomach pain while taking Sitagliptin, immediately stop taking it and inform your doctor. Follow all directions given to you by your doctor carefully.

Q. Does Sitagliptin interact with other drugs?

Sitagliptin is an antidiabetic medicine and its interaction with other drugs is very limited. Sitagliptin itself is less likely to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), however, when taken with other anti-diabetic medicines, the risk increases. Also, Sitagliptin can increase the blood levels of digoxin which can lead to more side effects with digoxin.

Q. Does Sitagliptin have any role in the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

Sitagliptin along with metformin is used off-label for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as it has shown efficacy in this condition in some clinical studies. However, its use in PCOS is yet not approved. Please consult your doctor.

Q. Can I use Sitagliptin with rosuvastatin?

Yes, Sitagliptin can be used with rosuvastatin. No drug-drug interactions or any change in side effect profile has been reported compared to when they are used alone.

Q. Can I take Sitagliptin with Metformin?

Yes, Sitagliptin can be taken with Metformin. It is a good add-on treatment if the blood sugars are very high even after taking Metformin and the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) does not become very high when they are taken together. However, a dose adjustment of the two may be needed.

Q. Can I take Sitagliptin with insulin?

Yes, you can take Sitagliptin with insulin. Using them together can lower the insulin dose and decrease the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

Q. Can I take Sitagliptin with Glipizide?

Yes, Sitagliptin can be taken with Glipizide. Both are antidiabetic drugs but they work in different ways. When taken together, they can help in better control of blood sugar levels. However, the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can increase if the dose of glipizide is not adjusted.

Q. Is it beneficial to use Sitagliptin with liraglutide?

No, it is not advisable to take Sitagliptin with Liraglutide. Both work by increasing the level of incretin hormones and can be expected to have a better efficacy but, there could also be an increased risk of side effects like pancreatitis when they are used together.

Q. Does Sitagliptin cause weight loss?

Use of Sitagliptin is not associated with either weight loss or weight gain. It is weight neutral.

Q. Does the use of Sitagliptin cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)?

Sitagliptin can lower blood sugar level (hypoglycemia). However, it happens more often if you delay or miss your food, do more than routine exercise, drink alcohol or take other antidiabetic medicine along with. Be cautious of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and always keep glucose tablets or honey or fruit juice with you. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important.

Q. Is the use of Sitagliptin associated with cancer?

Sitagliptin belongs to the group of drugs called incretins which have been associated with pancreatic cancer in some clinical studies. However, a definite evidence is missing, so, it is advisable to talk to your doctor regarding the same.

Q. Does the use of Sitagliptin associated with constipation?

Yes, constipation is an uncommon side effect seen with the use of Sitagliptin. Taking a fiber rich diet and plenty of water can help in relieving constipation.

Q. Can Sitagliptin cause somnolence (makes you feel sleepy)?

Yes, somnolence (sleepiness) has been reported with the use of Sitagliptin. Also, there could also be an increased risk of hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar levels) when used with other antidiabetic drugs which can make you feel dizzy. Be careful while driving or when operating a machine.

Q. Can Sitagliptin cause itching?

Sitagliptin is not known to cause itching. However, in case you develop an allergic reaction to Sitagliptin or any of its ingredients, you may have symptoms of itching, redness or swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue or throat. Immediately stop taking the medicine and inform or visit a doctor.

Q. Does Sitagliptin cause dry mouth?

No, the use of Sitagliptin is not seen to be associated with dry mouth.