Sitagliptin is a prescription medication used to manage type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the class of drugs known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Sitagliptin is designed to help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing the availability of certain hormones that stimulate insulin production and reduce the release of glucose from the liver.

Sitagliptin is available under the brand name Januvia.

This medication can only be obtained with a prescription, meaning you must have a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to purchase it.

Sitagliptin is primarily prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. It is used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen to help control blood glucose levels and prevent complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes.

Sitagliptin does not treat type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition in which your body attacks your pancreas with antibodies, causing the organ to stop producing insulin. If you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, your healthcare provider will prescribe a different form of medication and therapy for you.

The use of sitagliptin may lead to adverse side effects.

Mild side effects associated with sitagliptin may include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
  
• Headache
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Nausea
  
• Sore throat
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Fever
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Rapid weight gain
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Swelling
  
• Itchy skin
  
• Skin rash
  
• Hives
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• Severe joint pain
  
• Dangerously low blood sugar
  
  

If you experience any of these side effects and they persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.

Before starting sitagliptin, inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with sitagliptin.

Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your sitagliptin dosage if you have certain medical conditions or are taking specific medications.

Specifically, you should tell your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Other diabetic medications (Sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and insulin)
  
• Corticosteroids
  
• Cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme inhibitors and inducers (like ritonavir and phenobarbitol, respectively)
  
• ACE inhibitors
  
• ARBs
  
• Birth control pills
  
  

Tell your provider if you have kidney disease, heart disease, gallstone, alcoholism, high triglycerides, or have a history of pancreatitis.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using sitagliptin to weigh the potential risks and benefits.

The recommended dosing of sitagliptin may vary depending on your individual needs and your healthcare provider's guidance.

Typically, the starting dose for managing type 2 diabetes is 100 mg taken once daily, with or without food.

Do not discontinue or increase your sitagliptin dosage without consulting your doctor first.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of sitagliptin.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosing and treatment duration to manage your diabetes effectively.

Sitagliptin is currently only available via prescription. A licensed healthcare provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. You can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy, depending on the medication. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not sitagliptin might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for sitagliptin to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.