New-class diabetic medications called sitagliptin is still being observed for other possible side effects, health experts say. Health care providers and patients are encouraged to know about the prescribing information of sitagliptin, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), because there are some changes in response to the growing number of cases of pancreatic infection. Patient education helps prevent majority of diseases and is one of the main thrust used in the prevention of pancreatitis in men and women taking sitagliptin. The sudden swelling and inflammation of the pancreas that affects men more than women is one of the reasons that patients file lawsuits for Januvia settlements.
Sitagliptin is prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar. These medications may be taken together with other drugs that help lower the blood sugar and is advised to be taken on the same time daily to work effectively. Patients are reminded that taking the medication together with diet and exercise is also part of the treatment regimen will help in managing diabetes but not cure it. Several studies are being done to know the effects of this new class of medication. Independent studies showed unexpected results that linked sitagliptin to pancreatitis and possibly pancreatic cancer.
The prescribing information for Januvia and Janumet, sitagliptin available in the market, was revised by the FDA as the number of cases of acute pancreatitis piles up. The number of men and women who have been using these drugs that reported infection of the pancreas has reached 88 from 2006 to 2009. Pharmaceutical companies manufacturing both medications are working hand-in-hand with the FDA to revise the prescribing information to inform patients and health care providers of the risks associated with the use of the drugs. The adverse effects of medications experienced by patients taking any kind of medication including sitagliptin may be reported in the FDA MedWatch program.
Health care professionals are advised to encourage their patients to reports symptoms of nausea, vomiting, persistent severe abdominal pain (may radiate to the back) and anorexia. The drug may be discontinued by doctors if the patient shows any of the signs. However, it recommended that patients inform their health care providers of their symptoms first before stopping their medication. Laboratory studies such as amylase/creatinine ratio, electrolytes, serum and urine amylase, serum calcium, lipase and glucose may be taken to diagnose the problem. Early detection is important in preventing complications and death in acute pancreatitis.
URL References:
fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm183764.htm
nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a606023.html
fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm183768.htm