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Overview: Zituvio is a medicine that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a type of medicine known as a DPP-4 inhibitor. It works by helping prevent your blood sugar levels from getting too high. Common side effects may include a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and headache. Serious side effects are rare, but may include inflammation of the pancreas or heart failure. Call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of these conditions, which may include vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back, swelling of your feet, ankles, or legs, or unusual tiredness. Zituvio comes as a tablet that you take by mouth.

Uses

What is Zituvio used for?

Zituvio (sitagliptin) is commonly 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 health care provider.

How does Zituvio work (mechanism of action)?

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 when blood sugar is high, especially after meals. They also decrease the amount of glucose (sugar) that is made by the liver.

How is Zituvio supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zituvio

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 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 and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place and protect from moisture. If you have any medicine left 6 months after first opening the bottle, throw it away.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zituvio?

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

  • Infection in the nose or throat, stuffy/runny nose, and sore throat
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Zituvio that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking 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 or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Zituvio may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking Zituvio and call your health care 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 health care 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

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). When Zituvio is used with some other diabetes medicines, it can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Call your health care 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 health care 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
  • A hard time catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Severe Joint Pain. Some people taking medicines like Zituvio have had joint pain that can be severe. Tell your health care provider right away if you have new or increased joint pain while taking this medicine.

Severe Skin Reactions. Some people taking medicines like Zituvio have had 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 health care provider right away if you get a rash, blisters, or sores on your skin.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zituvio?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Zituvio.

  • Sitagliptin
  • Zituvio
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zituvio.

What should I know about Zituvio before using it?

Do not take Zituvio unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care 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 manage your diabetes. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of these conditions to decide if your medicine needs to be changed.

Talk to your health care provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems.

Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood work, before starting and while you are taking this medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Zituvio?

Tell your health care 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 know if Zituvio is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Zituvio may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Zituvio, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zituvio could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Zituvio while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zituvio passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Zituvio while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Zituvio?

For more information about Zituvio, you can call the drugmaker at 877-993-8779.

Interactions

Does Zituvio interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Zituvio and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zituvio, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. 

Does Zituvio interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care 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 taking Zituvio.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Zituvio. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

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.