Medications and Drugs

Type 2 Diabetes: Learn the Warning Signs

Brand Names: Juvisync

Generic Name: simvastatin and sitagliptin (Pronunciation: SIM va stat in and SIT a GLIP tin)

What is simvastatin and sitagliptin (Juvisync)?

Simvastatin is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, or "statin." Simvastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).

Sitagliptin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. It works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.

The combination of simvastatin and sitagliptin is for people with type 2 diabetes diabetes who also have high cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Simvastatin and sitagliptin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.

Simvastatin and sitagliptin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of simvastatin and sitagliptin (Juvisync)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking the medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine;
swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all;
severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fast heart rate;
itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild stomach pain, mild nausea;
constipation, diarrhea; or
headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about simvastatin and sitagliptin (Juvisync)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to simvastatin (Zocor) or sitagliptin (Januvia), if you have liver disease or severe kidney disease, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Do not use this medication if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

In rare cases, simvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Before taking simvastatin and sitagliptin, tell your doctor if you have underactive thyroid, a history of pancreatitis, liver disease, or kidney disease, if you are of Chinese descent, or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily

There are many other drugs that should not be used together with simvastatin and sitagliptin. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with simvastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Do not drink more than 1 quart of grapefruit juice daily.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking simvastatin and sitagliptin (Juvisync)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.