Drug Notes

Sitagliptin/simvastatin (By mouth)

Simvastatin (sim-va-STAT-in), Sitagliptin Phosphate (sit-a-GLIP-tin FOS-fate)

Treats type 2 diabetes and lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Juvisync will no longer be marketed in the United States as of September 26, 2013, but it may be available in other countries.

Brand Name(s):

Juvisync

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take the medicine in the evening, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with boceprevir, cyclosporine, danazol, gemfibrozil, nefazodone, telaprevir, medicine to treat an infection (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, telithromycin, voriconazole), or medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir).
• Some foods and medicines can affect how Juvisync works. Tell your doctor if you are using amiodarone, amlodipine, colchicine, digoxin, diltiazem, dronedarone, ranolazine, verapamil, other medicine for lowering cholesterol (such as niacin, fenofibrate, lomitapide), or a blood thinner (such as warfarin).
• Tell your doctor if you usually drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol per day or if you drink grapefruit juice.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, an underactive thyroid, or a history of liver disease or pancreatitis. Tell your doctor if you have any kind of infection or an injury while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Pancreas problems
  • Myopathy or rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage) that could lead to kidney damage
  • Liver problems
  • Low blood sugar
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking it for major surgery, a major injury, or other serious health problems.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially with tiredness and fever
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017