Sitagliptin: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that improves the body’s own insulin response with a low risk of low sugar. It belongs to the Oral diabetes medicine group. These help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes through different mechanisms.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Oral diabetes medicine
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

Type 2 diabetes
Used with diet and exercise
Often combined with metformin or other diabetes medicines

Common brand names

India: Januvia, Istavel, Sitagly
Worldwide: Januvia

Common side effects

Headache
Stuffy nose or sore throat
Joint pain
Low sugar mainly when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin

Before taking it — precautions

Kidney function is checked — the dose may need adjusting
Tell your doctor about past pancreatitis
Not for type 1 diabetes

When to see a doctor urgently

Severe, ongoing tummy pain spreading to the back (possible pancreatitis — urgent)
Large blisters on the skin
Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or severe rash (urgent)

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of sitagliptin depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

Does sitagliptin cause low blood sugar?

On its own it rarely does, because it works only when sugar is high. The risk rises if combined with gliclazide or insulin.

Will sitagliptin make me gain weight?

It is usually weight-neutral.

Why should I report severe tummy pain?

Rarely, sitagliptin can cause pancreatitis. Stop and seek urgent help if you get severe, ongoing tummy pain.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.