By Adam Garcia
Today in diabetic lifestyle we will be discussing the link between Januvia/Janumet and acute pancreatitis.
The FDA has issued a press release stating that eighty-eight cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported in patients using the diabetes drug, Januvia (sitagliptin) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin), between October 16, 2006 and February 9, 2009.
Sitagliptin, the first in a new class of diabetic drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
The FDA is recommending that patients who are starting on sitagliptin, or who are prescribed a higher dose, be carefully monitored by their healthcare professional for signs of pancreatitis.
It is helpful to know that eighty-eight cases of pancreatitis is only a small percentage of the thousands of people who take sitagliptin, but it’s also important to be aware of this potential side effect.
The signs of pancreatitis are pain in the upper abdomen, swollen and/or painful abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, and/or fast pulse. If you experience any of these symptoms and you are taking sitagliptin, please call your doctor immediately. If you have no symptoms of pancreatitis, it’s important not to stop your medication. If you have any questions or concerns about the FDA report, please contact your doctor.
For more on this FDA press release, pancreatitis, or other Diabetic Lifestyle topics, please email us or leave a question or comment below.
