Sitagliptin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin). It helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Sitagliptin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Sitagliptin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Sitagliptin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- previously experienced an allergic reaction to a similar type of medicine e.g. linagliptin
- with or a history of heart failure
- moderate to severe kidney disease or undergoing dialysis
- stress-related events e.g. fever, trauma, infection
Sitagliptin is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by a high level of blood acid in your body).
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your kidney function is normal before you take Sitagliptin and thereafter depending on your doctor's advice.
- Routine monitoring of your blood sugar levels may be done while you are taking this medicine. Your doctor will advise you on how often you need to have it checked.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis, allergic reactions, and blister formation may also be needed.
If you are taking Sitagliptin especially with other medicines for diabetes, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). This medicine itself does not usually cause hypoglycaemia, but it may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of other oral anti-diabetic medicines.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms did not improve after second serving.
Sitagliptin, particularly when taken together with other medicines for diabetes, may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which may affect your ability to concentrate and react. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dizziness, stuffy or runny nose, constipation, vomiting, muscle pain, and back pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, tongue or throat
- severe and persistent abdominal pain that sometimes radiates to the back, with or without nausea and vomiting
- increasing shortness of breath especially when lying down, swelling of the ankles or feet
- blisters on the skin
- severe and persistent joint pain
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. glipizide, glimepiride, insulin
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sitagliptin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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