Drug | Tablet

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (to improve blood glucose control along with diet and exercise), especially in patients inadequately controlled on metformin alone or requiring sitagliptin + metformin combination

Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that increases incretin hormones, leading to increased insulin release and reduced glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, reducing intestinal glucose absorption and lowering blood glucose levels.

Tablet; take exactly as prescribed. Usually taken with meals to reduce stomach upset; swallow whole with water (do not crush/chew unless advised). Dose and frequency depend on blood sugar control and kidney function.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, metallic taste, headache, dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, hypoglycaemia (especially with insulin/sulfonylureas), rash

Prescription (Schedule H) medicine. Risk of lactic acidosis with metformin—seek urgent care for fast breathing, severe weakness, muscle pain, unusual sleepiness, or abdominal discomfort; higher risk in kidney impairment, dehydration, severe infection, hypoxia, heavy alcohol use, and elderly. Monitor renal function before and during therapy; not recommended in severe renal impairment. Temporarily stop around iodinated contrast procedures and major surgery as advised. Sitagliptin may rarely cause pancreatitis—seek medical help for severe persistent abdominal pain. Use caution in heart failure history and in patients prone to hypoglycaemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Alcohol (increases lactic acidosis risk), iodinated contrast media, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., topiramate, acetazolamide), cimetidine, ranolazine, dolutegravir, vandetanib, drugs that raise blood glucose (corticosteroids, thiazide/loop diuretics), insulin and sulfonylureas (increased hypoglycaemia risk)

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and light. Keep in original strip and out of reach of children.

Janumet 50/500 Tablet, Istamet 50/500 Tablet, Sitamet 50/500 Tablet, Sita Met 50/500 Tablet, Jalra-M 50/500 Tablet