Generic name: Sitagliptin
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Zituvio?
Sitagliptin is used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (not for type 1 diabetes).
Sitagliptin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use sitagliptin if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- heart problems such as heart failure;
- pancreatitis;
- high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
- gallstones;
- alcoholism; or
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
It is not known if sitagliptin will harm an unborn baby. Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
How should I use Zituvio
Use Zituvio (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take sitagliptin with or without food, but take it the same way each time.
Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.
Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your medication dosage.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need other medical tests including checking your kidney function.
Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and special medical care.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Certain brands must be stored in the original container and used within 3 months.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Zituvio side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Stop taking sitagliptin and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, with or without vomiting.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a severe skin reaction-- itching, blisters, breakdown of the outer layer of skin;
- severe or ongoing pain in your joints;
- severely low blood sugar--extreme weakness, confusion, tremors, sweating, fast heartbeats, trouble speaking, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, and seizure (convulsions); or
- kidney or heart problems--swelling, urinating less, rapid weight gain, feeling tired or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat; or
- headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Zituvio?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.