Tablets
DPP-4 inhibitors (gliptins)
Sitagliptin - Taken once a day with or without food
Vildagliptin - Taken twice a day with or without food
They work by blocking the action of the enzyme, DPP-4, which destroys the hormone incretin.
Incretins help the body produce more insulin only when it is needed and reduce the amount of glucose being produced by the liver when it is not needed. These hormones are released throughout the day and levels are increased at meal times. They produce more insulin only when it is needed and reduce the amount of glucose being produced by the liver when it is not needed.
NB - If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as you remember.
Side effects which may be experienced in this group
These tablets will always be prescribed with other blood glucose lowering medication, therefore the undesirable effects experienced will depend on which tablets they are combined with.
Sitagliptin
Hypoglycaemia (hypo), drowsiness, diarrhoea, nausea, flatulence, constipation, upper abdominal pain, oedema, headache, dizziness, osteoarthritis, arm or leg pain, allergic skin reactions, general allergic reaction, weight loss, loss of appetite, respiratory infection.
Vildagliptin
Hypoglycaemia (hypo), sore throat and runny nose (nasopharyngitis), tremor, headache, dizziness, weakness, constipation, weight gain, oedema, general allergic reaction, symptoms of liver problems (jaundice, nausea, loss of appetite, dark coloured urine).
Vildagliptin with Metformin
Hypoglycaemia (hypo), tremor, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea.
| Generic name |
Trade name |
Tablet size |
Initial /maximum daily dose |
| Sitagliptin |
Januvia |
100 mg |
1 tablet |
| Vildagliptin |
Galvus |
50 mg |
100 mg
(50 mg if also taking a sulphonylurea) |
| Vildagliptin/Metformin |
Eucreas |
50mg / 850mg
50mg / 1000mg |
50 mg/850 mg -
100 mg/2000 mg |
The dosage indicated will vary from person to person.
If you have any problems with your dosage or the tablets you are taking, contact your healthcare team.
Next review date September 2009