Sitagliptin (Januvia, Zituvio, and Brynovin) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of sitagliptin?

The most common side effects of sitagliptin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Stuffy/runny nose, sore throat
• Headache

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 sitagliptin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sitagliptin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sitagliptin can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking sitagliptin 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. Sitagliptin can cause severe skin reactions, called bullous pemphigoid and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Some reactions can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop sitagliptin and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
• Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
• Red, painful, watery eyes
• Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). When sitagliptin 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 sitagliptin. 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 sitagliptin. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. 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. Sitagliptin 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). Sitagliptin may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking sitagliptin 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. Sitagliptin 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