Zituvimet (Sitagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride) for Diabetes

Overview

Zituvimet is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunct (add-on) to diet and exercise to improve blood glucose (sugar) control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes or those with a history of pancreatitis, as it has not been studied in these populations. Zituvimet is also known by its drug name, sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride.

Zituvimet combines two drugs: sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and metformin, a biguanide. Sitagliptin increases insulin release and decreases the amount of sugar made by the liver. Metformin decreases glucose production in the liver and improves the body’s response to insulin.

How do I take it?

Prescribing information states that Zituvimet is taken orally twice daily with meals. Dosing is tailored to the individual’s prior treatments and their response to the drug. Before starting treatment, kidney function must be checked, and the drug should not be used in people with severely reduced kidney function. Take Zituvimet exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects

Common side effects of Zituvimet include diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache.

Rare but serious side effects may include lactic acidosis, a life-threatening condition associated with metformin. Postmarketing cases have included symptoms such as somnolence (extreme tiredness), myalgias (muscle aches), abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, malaise (a general feeling of being unwell), hypothermia (low body temperature), hypotension (low blood pressure), and bradyarrhythmias (slow or irregular heartbeat). Lactic acidosis may be more likely in people with kidney problems, liver impairment, recent surgery, severe infections, alcohol use, heart or lung conditions, or those over age 65. It requires immediate medical attention, and treatment often includes hospital care and hemodialysis (a procedure to filter lactic acid from the blood).

Other serious risks include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), heart failure, acute kidney failure, vitamin B12 deficiency, and low blood sugar when combined with insulin or insulin-releasing drugs. Severe allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis and skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome), disabling joint pain, and bullous pemphigoid (a blistering skin condition) have also been reported. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms, contact a health care provider immediately.

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Label: Zituvimet — Sitagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed