Sitagliptin and simvastatin (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 15, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Juvisync

Pharmacologic Class: Sitagliptin

Uses for sitagliptin and simvastatin

Sitagliptin and simvastatin combination is used together with a proper diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also used together with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride (fats) levels in the blood. Sitagliptin and simvastatin may help prevent medical problems caused by clogged blood vessels such as heart attacks and strokes.

Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It helps to control blood sugar levels by increasing substances in the body that make the pancreas release more insulin. It also signals the liver to stop producing sugar (glucose) when there is too much sugar in the blood.

Simvastatin belongs to the group of medicines called statins. It works to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood by blocking the production of cholesterol.

Sitagliptin and simvastatin was available only with your doctor's prescription. The Juvisync™ product will no longer be marketed in the United States as of September 26, 2013, but may be available in other countries.

Before using sitagliptin and simvastatin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For sitagliptin and simvastatin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sitagliptin and simvastatin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of sitagliptin and simvastatin combination in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of sitagliptin and simvastatin combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney or muscle problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving sitagliptin and simvastatin combination.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using sitagliptin and simvastatin.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking sitagliptin and simvastatin, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using sitagliptin and simvastatin with any of the following medicines is not...