Sitagliptin

Information about Sitagliptin

Sitagliptin Uses

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

How Sitagliptin works

Sitagliptin is an antidiabetic 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.

Common side effects of Sitagliptin

Headache, Upper respiratory tract infection, Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) in combination with insulin or sulphonylurea, Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), Nausea1a, Diarrhea, Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Conjunctivitis, Cough, Vomiting, Constipation, Pancreatic inflammation
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Betina Chandolia
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
02 Mar 2020 | 10:22 AM (UTC)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Available Medicine for Sitagliptin

JanuviaMSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
₹260 to ₹6744 variant(s)
IstavelSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹70 to ₹3156 variant(s)
SiglipolMedipol Pharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd
₹280 to ₹3002 variant(s)
JantinIndus Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.
₹1321 variant(s)
SiptinQuest Pharmaceuticals
₹2251 variant(s)
SitadacDaksh Pharma Pvt Ltd
₹2201 variant(s)
C GetEumed Healthcare
₹2901 variant(s)

Expert advice for Sitagliptin

  • Sitagliptin should be taken at the same time every day since this helps you remember to take it.
  • It may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or if you delay or miss a meal.
  • Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor and anxiety.
  • Be careful while driving or operating machinery until you know how Sitagliptin affects you.
  • Inform your doctor if you notice joint pains or develop symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea and/or vomiting.

Frequently asked questions for Sitagliptin

Sitagliptin

Q. Does Sitagliptin cause weight gain?

No, Sitagliptin is not known to cause weight gain by itself. However, keeping a healthy weight is an important part of managing diabetes. Consult your doctor if you experience weight gain while taking Sitagliptin.

Q. Is Sitagliptin bad for your kidneys?

No, Sitagliptin is not bad for your kidneys if your kidney function is normal. However, it is important to inform your doctor if you have, or ever had, any kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, you may need dose modification.

Q. Do I still have to manage my diet and exercise while on Sitagliptin?

Yes, it is important to manage your diet and exercise while taking Sitagliptin. In addition to medicine, making healthy food choices and being physically active are also important to effectively manage blood sugar levels. You may consult a dietitian and follow a diet chart that suits you best. A well-balanced diet is one part of a healthy lifestyle for people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, thirty minutes of exercise such as a brisk walk is recommended.

Q. Can my blood sugar levels go too low on Sitagliptin?

Yes, it is possible that your blood sugar levels may become very low (hypoglycemia). The chances are higher if you are on any other antidiabetic medicine or insulin along with Sitagliptin. Additionally, blood sugar levels can take a huge dip if you skip meals, exercise more than usual, or if you have taken an overdose of Sitagliptin. If you experience a sudden fall in your sugar levels, inform your doctor. The doctor may suggest dose modification to prevent your blood sugar levels from decreasing significantly (hypoglycemia). Follow your doctor’s advice and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.

Q. What is the most important information I should know about Sitagliptin?

Sitagliptin is safe to use if taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. However, in rare cases, some serious side effects can also be observed. In some people, Sitagliptin may cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) which could be severe and can even lead to death. If you experience severe and persistent pain in your stomach area (abdomen), stop the medication and immediately contact your doctor. Sitagliptin can also cause heart failure. This means the heart is not able to pump blood well enough, therefore, inform your doctor if you have or ever had heart problems before you start taking Sitagliptin. In addition to that, problems related to kidneys should also be discussed with the doctor.

Q. How long do I need to take Sitagliptin?

Sitagliptin only helps to manage your blood sugar levels but does not cure your diabetes. Keep taking Sitagliptin as long as your doctor recommends it. You may have to take it lifelong. It is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control as any fluctuations in your blood sugar levels may cause serious problems. Therefore, do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor.

Q. What if I miss a dose of Sitagliptin?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If in case you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses of Sitagliptin at the same time.

Q. Is Sitagliptin safe to be taken for a long term?

Yes, it is safe to take Sitagliptin for a long time. Its long-term use, which can continue for months, years or even lifelong, has not shown any harmful effects. Keep taking Sitagliptin as long as your doctor recommends it. Remember, Sitagliptin only helps to keep your blood sugar levels under control but does not cure your diabetes.

Q. What will happen if I accidentally take more than the prescribed dose of Sitagliptin?

If you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose of Sitagliptin, your blood sugar levels may become too low (hypoglycemia). This hypoglycemia may be mild or severe. Monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently for the next 24 hours. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia (with symptoms like anxiety, sweating, weakness, tremors, fast heartbeat) can usually be corrected with the help of sugary foods such as sugar or glucose candy, fruit juice and glucose/glucon-D. However, it is important to consult your doctor to decide the further course of treatment. More severe episodes of hypoglycemia may even lead to a seizure (fit) or unconsciousness. This can be life-threatening and immediate medical help may be required.

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App

Connect

  • Social Links
  • Want daily dose of health?
Download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

LegitScript approved
India's only LegitScript and ISO/ IEC 27001:2022 certified online healthcare platform

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.

© 2024 Tata 1mg. All rights reserved. All medicines are dispensed in compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. We do not process requests for Schedule X and habit forming drugs.