Sitagliptin

Diabetes

Also known as Januvia

Sitagliptin treats type 2 diabetes by boosting hormones your gut already makes after meals — they tell your pancreas to release insulin when your sugar is high. Because it mostly works when sugar is up, it rarely causes lows on its own. Most people tolerate it well, which is a big part of why doctors like it.

How to take it

When

Once a day, at whatever time works for you — just keep it consistent, exactly as prescribed.

Food

Take it with or without food, whichever you prefer.

Avoid

Don't combine it with other diabetes medicines on your own — with insulin or a sulfonylurea, lows become more likely.

Good to know

It works quietly in the background. Some form of medical ID is still smart to carry when you take any diabetes medicine.

Missed a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next one, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses in one day to catch up.

Common side effects

Stuffy or runny nose and sore throat
Headache
Mild stomach upset
Joint aches

Call a doctor if

Severe stomach pain that spreads to your back, with or without vomiting — this can be pancreatitis. Get help now.
Severe, disabling joint pain — call your doctor.
A blistering rash or peeling skin — call your doctor right away.
Swelling of your face, lips, or throat, or trouble breathing — call emergency services.

Educational only. This summary is drawn from public FDA labeling and MedlinePlus and simplified for readability. Your prescription label and your pharmacist always come first — doses and instructions vary from person to person.