Sitagliptin

[Kitty cat]

Hi All,
My diabetic specialist nurse has just advised I take Sitagliptin, my GP has prescribed it.
I have found out that it can cause hypos.
My GP is refusing me test strips, meter and lancets.
Nice guidelines state I should have, I don't know what to do. I think I will have to refuse to take as I drive and a hypo could be very dangerous.
Can't specialist nurses prescribe items?
I am very fed up.
Thanks

 

[Robin]

It seems that sitagliptin isn't one of the drugs requiring testing before driving, except when used together with something like Gliclazide. This article summarises.
http://www.thejournalofdiabetesnursing.co.uk/media/content/_master/549/files/pdf/jdn12-2pg44.pdf
It may be that you can persuade your nurse to give you a meter and strips, but if not, have you considered funding your own? The cheapest option we have found is the Codefree ( available from Amazon or direct from Homehealth, the manufacturers, I think there are details in the 'Information for Newbies' T the top of the Newbie's section.

 

[grovesy]

I have been on Sitagliptin for years and only had hypos wit it as Robin said when on Gliclazide as well. I have not taken Glicliazide for over 18 months as that was giving me hypos and HBA1c was low enough to stop it.

 

[Hepato-pancreato]

If your gp says you don’t need to test. Therefore has nothing to do with driving.
Like most tablets says on box if it causes drowsiness or affects your ability to drive then don’t.
Your responsibility. You can’t test if you are not given the equipment. So in my eyes as with other drivers if you don’t have a meter you don’t need to test. Your responsibility to judge wether your fit to drive.

 

[DaveB]

Sitagliptin doesn't cause hypos as it stops working when your blood sugar comes into the normal range. It works by suppressing an enzyme that in turn switches off insulin production after meal. This means you get insulin for a bit longer after a meal.