Sitagliptin Side Effects
Sitagliptin is a prescription drug that is sold in the United States under the Januvia brand name. This drug is used to treat high blood sugar levels in people with a type of diabetes mellitus called Type 2 diabetes. This drug helps increase the release of insulin by the pancreas. Sitagliptin stops glucose production in the liver when blood sugar levels are too high. This drug comes in tablets and may cause some side effects.
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Emotional and Mental Effects
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Some users of sitagliptin have encountered emotional and mental effects that should be brought to a doctor's attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, some patients have noticed unusual anxiety while they were treated with this drug. Confusion can occur with this medicine. Some people have become depressed while using this medication. Unusual nervousness and nightmares have been reported.
Nervous System and Related Effects
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Sitagliptin patients have experienced nervous system side effects in some cases and these effects require medical assistance. According to the Mayo Clinic, people have noticed slurred speech and shakiness. Seizures have been reported by some users of this medicine. Some people have lost consciousness while using this drug. Headaches have been reported by some people. Dizziness and blurred vision are possible with this drug.
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Gastrointestinal Effects
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Some individuals have complained to their physicians about unusual gastrointestinal side effects while they were on sitagliptin. According to the Mayo Clinic, some users have experienced nausea. Increased hunger has been reported with this drug. Patients may notice abdominal pain while they are treated with this medicine. Diarrhea has developed in some people who used this medication.
Respiratory and Related Effects
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Respiratory side effects have been reported by some users of sitagliptin and these effects need medical attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, breathing difficulty has developed in some people. Coughing and loss of voice are possible with this drug. Some patients have complained about nasal congestion or sneezing. A runny nose or a soar throat may occur with this medicine.
Other Effects
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Sitagliptin patients have experienced other side effects that should be brought to medical doctor's attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, some individuals have noticed cold sweats, chills or cool pale skin. People may develop a fast heartbeat. Unusual tiredness may occur. Ear congestion, muscle aches and fever have been reported by some individual users.
Precautions
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Patients need to see their doctors regularly and take blood and urine tests to monitor their progress on sitagliptin. This drug may cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Patients should have a glucagon kit on hand with a needle and syringe. Glucagon needs to be administered to hypoglycemic patients who experience convulsions or become unconscious. Glucagon kits are also available in hospital emergency rooms. Patients should wear a diabetes identification bracelet or neck chain and should carry a wallet card that identifies the patient's diabetic condition.
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