Uses
What is Zituvio used for?
Zituvio (sitagliptin) is used with diet and exercise to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Zituvio may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Zituvio work?
Zituvio works to help keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high. Zituvio blocks an enzyme called DPP-4. Blocking DPP-4 helps increase the levels of natural hormones in your body called incretins. Incretins help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin levels, especially after meals. They also decrease the amount of glucose (sugar) that is made by the liver.
Zituvio is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 25 mg oral tablets
- 50 mg oral tablets
- 100 mg oral tablets
How should I store Zituvio?
Zituvio should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Zituvio?
The most common side effects of Zituvio are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Stuffy/runny nose, sore throat
- Headache
- Stomach upset and diarrhea (when used in combination with certain other diabetes medicines)
- Swelling of the hands or legs (when used in combination with certain other diabetes medicines)
There may be other side effects of [brand or generic name] that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Zituvio
While less common, the most serious side effects of Zituvio are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Zituvio can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Zituvio and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Severe Skin Reactions. Zituvio can cause a rare skin reaction called bullous pemphigoid. This reaction may start as an itchy skin rash and large blisters may form on the skin. You may need treatment in a hospital if this reaction happens. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash or blisters on the skin.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). When Zituvio is used with other diabetes medicines, it can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The doses of your other diabetes medicines may need to be changed when taken with Zituvio. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurry or other changes to vision
- Pale skin
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery
- Weakness
- Fast heartbeat
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Zituvio. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Severe Joint Pain. Zituvio may cause joint pain that can be severe. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have new or increased joint pain while taking this medicine.
Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Zituvio may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking Zituvio and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Heart Failure. Zituvio may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
- Swelling of your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Unusual tiredness
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Zituvio?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to Zituvio, sitagliptin, any other medicine known as a DPP-4 inhibitor, or any of the ingredients in the product should not take Zituvio.
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zituvio.
Type 1 Diabetes. Zituvio is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.
What should I know about Zituvio before using it?
Do not take Zituvio unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Zituvio with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Zituvio out of the reach of children.
Certain conditions that cause increased stress on your body, like fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery can change the amount of diabetes medicines you need to take to control your diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions to decide if your medicine needs to be changed.
Talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Zituvio?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Zituvio is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Medical Conditions.
- Heart failure
- Kidney problems
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- High triglyceride levels
- Alcoholism
Other Medicines and Supplements. Zituvio may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Zituvio, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zituvio could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Zituvio while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zituvio passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Zituvio while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Zituvio?
For more information about Zituvio, you can call the manufacturer at 877-993-8779.
Interactions
Does Zituvio interact with foods or drinks?
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zituvio, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effect of Zituvio. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does Zituvio interact with other medicines?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any other medicines you use for diabetes before using Zituvio.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zituvio?
If you or someone else has used too much Zituvio, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Zituvio?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Zituvio (sitagliptin)?
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