Sitagliptin 100mg is a generic version of Januvia, used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medicines called DPP-4 inhibitors and is generally used alongside diet and exercise, either alone or together with other diabetes medicines.
Sitagliptin 100mg tablets contain sitagliptin, the same active ingredient found in the brand-name medicine Januvia. It belongs to a class of medicines known as DPP-4 inhibitors, which work by supporting the body's own blood sugar–regulating mechanisms.
This medicine is generally used as part of an overall diabetes management plan and may be prescribed on its own or in combination with other blood sugar–lowering medicines, depending on individual treatment needs.
Sitagliptin 100mg may be prescribed to:
Improve blood sugar (glycaemic) control in adults with type 2 diabetes
Be used alongside diet and exercise as part of ongoing diabetes management
Be used alone, or in combination with other diabetes medicines such as metformin, sulphonylureas, insulin, or pioglitazone, when needed
The appropriate treatment approach and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual blood sugar levels and overall health.
Sitagliptin works by blocking an enzyme called DPP-4, which normally breaks down certain gut hormones that help regulate blood sugar. By slowing this breakdown, sitagliptin helps increase insulin release after meals and reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver, particularly when blood sugar is high.
Because it depends on the body's own response to food, sitagliptin is generally less likely to cause low blood sugar on its own compared to some other diabetes medicines. Blood sugar improvements are usually monitored through regular testing, as the full effect may take some weeks to become apparent.
Take Sitagliptin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Usually taken once daily
Can be taken with or without food
Try to take it at the same time each day
Continue following any diet, exercise, or lifestyle advice given by your doctor, as this supports the medicine's effect
Do not stop or change your dose without speaking to your doctor, even if your blood sugar readings improve, as diabetes generally requires ongoing management
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed one. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.
Before taking Sitagliptin, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your full medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you currently use.
Caution or closer monitoring may be needed if you have:
A history of pancreatitis or a current condition affecting the pancreas
Kidney problems
A history of severe allergic reactions
Type 1 diabetes (this medicine is not intended for type 1 diabetes)
Heart failure or a history of heart-related conditions
Sitagliptin may interact with other diabetes medicines, particularly insulin or sulphonylureas, which can increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined. It's important to check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist, especially when starting or adjusting other treatments.
The use of Sitagliptin during pregnancy is generally not recommended unless a doctor determines that the benefits outweigh the potential risks, as data in pregnant women remain limited. Poorly controlled diabetes itself carries risks during pregnancy, so any changes to treatment should be guided by a healthcare professional.
There is limited information on the use of Sitagliptin during breastfeeding, and recommendations may vary between countries. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, so that your diabetes treatment can be reviewed appropriately.
Like all medicines, Sitagliptin can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects include:
Headache
Upper respiratory tract infection (such as a stuffy or runny nose, or sore throat)
Low blood sugar, particularly when used with insulin or a sulphonylurea
Nausea
Swelling of the hands, legs, or feet
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience severe or persistent abdominal pain (which may spread to the back), signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or severe skin blistering or peeling.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store Sitagliptin according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep in the original packaging
Keep out of reach and sight of children
Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging
It is used to help improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, usually alongside diet and exercise.
Sitagliptin is generally considered weight-neutral, meaning it is not typically associated with the weight gain seen with some other diabetes treatments, though individual responses can vary.
It may require dose adjustment in people with reduced kidney function, so kidney function is generally assessed before and during treatment.
On its own, it has a relatively low risk of causing low blood sugar, but this risk increases when it is combined with certain other diabetes medicines, such as insulin or sulphonylureas.
Generic sitagliptin contains the same active ingredient as Januvia and is expected to work the same way, though inactive ingredients and tablet appearance may differ between manufacturers.
