Sitagliptin (commonly supplied as sitagliptin phosphate)
Brand names (as verified)
Januvia; Istavel (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
Common tablets contain 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg; the chosen strength depends in part on kidney function.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
A DPP-4 inhibitor used to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes, either alone or combined with other antidiabetic medicines or insulin.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not use in people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Avoid in people with known hypersensitivity to sitagliptin.
Important precautions
Dose adjustment is required in moderate to severe kidney disease. Report persistent severe abdominal pain, which may be a sign of pancreatitis. Discontinue if pancreatitis is confirmed. Monitor kidney function regularly.
Common side effects
Common effects include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and nasopharyngitis. Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is more likely when combined with insulin or a sulphonylurea.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent care for signs of pancreatitis (severe persistent stomach pain with or without vomiting), severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), or bullous pemphigoid (a blistering skin condition).
Important interactions
Interactions include insulin and sulphonylureas (increased hypoglycaemia), digoxin (monitor levels), and medicines that affect kidney function. Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements.
Allergy considerations
Do not use if you have had a serious allergic reaction to sitagliptin, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, or severe skin reactions.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Not recommended during pregnancy. Limited safety data ‚ discuss alternatives with your doctor.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Unknown whether sitagliptin passes into breast milk. Avoid during breastfeeding unless your doctor decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
Children and older adults
Not approved for use in children under 18. In older adults, kidney function must be assessed before and during treatment because dose adjustment may be needed.
Storage
Store at room temperature (below 30°C) in the original pack, away from moisture and light. Keep out of children's reach.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip it and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much sitagliptin, contact a poison helpline or healthcare professional. Supportive treatment is standard ‚ no specific antidote exists.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
Sitagliptin (commonly supplied as sitagliptin phosphate)
Brand names (as verified)
Januvia; Istavel (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
Common tablets contain 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg; the chosen strength depends in part on kidney function.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
A DPP-4 inhibitor used to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes, either alone or combined with other antidiabetic medicines or insulin.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not use in people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Avoid in people with known hypersensitivity to sitagliptin.
Important precautions
Dose adjustment is required in moderate to severe kidney disease. Report persistent severe abdominal pain, which may be a sign of pancreatitis. Discontinue if pancreatitis is confirmed. Monitor kidney function regularly.
Common side effects
Common effects include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and nasopharyngitis. Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is more likely when combined with insulin or a sulphonylurea.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent care for signs of pancreatitis (severe persistent stomach pain with or without vomiting), severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), or bullous pemphigoid (a blistering skin condition).
Important interactions
Interactions include insulin and sulphonylureas (increased hypoglycaemia), digoxin (monitor levels), and medicines that affect kidney function. Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements.
Allergy considerations
Do not use if you have had a serious allergic reaction to sitagliptin, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, or severe skin reactions.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Not recommended during pregnancy. Limited safety data ‚ discuss alternatives with your doctor.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Unknown whether sitagliptin passes into breast milk. Avoid during breastfeeding unless your doctor decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
Children and older adults
Not approved for use in children under 18. In older adults, kidney function must be assessed before and during treatment because dose adjustment may be needed.
Storage
Store at room temperature (below 30°C) in the original pack, away from moisture and light. Keep out of children's reach.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip it and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much sitagliptin, contact a poison helpline or healthcare professional. Supportive treatment is standard ‚ no specific antidote exists.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
