Skip to content

Sitagliptin

One sitagliptin product sits on this shelf, the Januvia tablet in 50 mg and 100 mg strengths, taken alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Medicines containing Sitagliptin

Sitagliptin Tablets

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

50mg · 100mg

Sitagliptin tablets for type 2 diabetes. They belong to a class that boosts insulin release only when blood sugar is high.

From$2.71/ tabletView

Istamet

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

50mg + 1000mg

Sitagliptin and metformin tablets for type 2 diabetes. Sitagliptin raises insulin after meals, metformin lowers liver glucose.

From$4.90/ tabletView

Key points

  • The label warns that acute pancreatitis, including haemorrhagic and necrotising forms, has been reported with sitagliptin; the medicine should be stopped if pancreatitis is suspected.
  • When sitagliptin is combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea, the risk of hypoglycaemia rises above placebo, and a lower dose of the partner medicine may be needed.
  • Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor used as an adjunct to diet and exercise for type 2 diabetes, not for type 1.

How does Sitagliptin work?

Sitagliptin is believed to work by slowing the breakdown of incretin hormones, the signals your gut releases after eating to prompt the pancreas to produce insulin. The enzyme it blocks normally clears these hormones within minutes of a meal. Keeping them active longer means the body releases more insulin only when blood sugar is already elevated, rather than pushing a fixed amount regardless of what you have eaten.

This glucose-dependent action is what separates the DPP-4 inhibitor class from older diabetes medicines in Diabetes Management that stimulate insulin release whether or not you have eaten.

Further reading

FAQ

Which sitagliptin products does Direct Meds sell?

On Direct Meds, sitagliptin comes as Sitagliptin Tablets and Istamet. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.

What are the brand names for sitagliptin in South Africa?

Sitagliptin is also sold under brand names such as Januvia and Janumet. In South Africa it is also sold as Januvia. Names differ from country to country, so the active ingredient is the surest way to compare products.

How is sitagliptin priced?

Compare the price of each product, strength and pack above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.

Payment and prices →

Can I buy sitagliptin over the counter in South Africa?

Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order sitagliptin. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.

Ordering without a prescription →

Do you deliver sitagliptin to South Africa?

Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.

How ordering works →

Last updated