Jansitin (Sitagliptin)

Jansitin (sitagliptin) is used to treat disorders of glucose metabolism, primarily type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus: improves blood glucose control when combined with diet, exercise and other antidiabetic agents.
• Inadequate glycemic control on metformin alone: provides additional reduction in HbA1c as part of combination therapy.
• Patients requiring a weight‑neutral oral agent: offers glucose lowering without promoting weight gain.

• Sitagliptin selectively inhibits the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase‑4 (DPP‑4), which degrades the incretin hormones glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) and glucose‑dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). By blocking DPP‑4, sitagliptin raises circulating levels of GLP‑1 and GIP, enhancing glucose‑dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic β‑cells and suppressing glucagon release from α‑cells, thereby reducing post‑prandial and fasting plasma glucose.

Sitagliptin may be associated with a range of adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Nasopharyngitis: mild inflammation of the nose and throat.
• Headache: transient cranial pain.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, abdominal pain or dyspepsia.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Pancreatitis: severe abdominal pain with elevated enzymes.
• Severe allergic reactions: rash, angioedema or anaphylaxis.
• Bullous pemphigoid: blistering skin disorder.

When prescribing or dispensing Jansitin, consider the following precautions.

• Renal impairment: assess kidney function and adjust dose if necessary.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution in patients with liver disease.
• History of pancreatitis: avoid use due to risk of recurrence.
• Concomitant insulin or sulfonylureas: monitor for hypoglycemia.
• Elderly patients: start at lower dose and observe for adverse effects.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in original container, protect from moisture and light.

Potential drug interactions with sitagliptin should be reviewed before therapy.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Insulin: increased risk of hypoglycemia when combined.
• Sulfonylureas: may potentiate hypoglycemic episodes.
• Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil): can raise sitagliptin plasma levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may affect glucose control, monitor blood sugar.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: observe renal function when used together.
• Rifampin: may reduce sitagliptin exposure, consider dose adjustment.