What Is Sitagliptin and Metformin Used For? (Cont.)

Why Is Sitagliptin and Metformin Used for Diabetes Treatment?

The main goal of any diabetes treatment is to lower your blood sugar levels (as measured by your hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]) enough to reduce your risk for developing problems related to diabetes.
 
Any treatment for type 2 diabetes begins with lifestyle changes (weight loss, diet, and exercise). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in managing diabetes, medication (such as sitagliptin and metformin) may be necessary. Some diabetes drugs force the pancreas to produce more insulin, regardless of blood sugar levels (see Janumet Alternatives). These medications are effective, but can cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Because sitagliptin and metformin increases insulin only in response to high blood sugar, the risk of dangerously low blood sugar is low with the medication (see Janumet and Blood Sugar).
 
(Click Diabetic Diet and Diabetes and Exercise to learn more about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices.)
 

Is Sitagliptin and Metformin Used for Children?

Sitagliptin and metformin has not been adequately studied in children. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children with type 2 diabetes.
 

Is Sitagliptin and Metformin Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend sitagliptin and metformin for treating something other than type 2 diabetes. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are no universally accepted off-label uses for sitagliptin and metformin.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;