If you manage your type 2 diabetes with a medicine classified as a DPP-4 inhibitor, the FDA has issued a warning that the medication may cause severe joint pain.
The warning applies to the following medications, which are available under different brand names alone or combined with other diabetes medicines like metformin:
- sitagliptin
- saxagliptin
- linagliptin
- alogliptin
The joint pain may develop anywhere from one day to many years after starting the medication. Once the medication is discontinued, symptoms are expected to resolve.
What to do if you note joint pain associated with your medication:
- Consult your healthcare provider immediately.
- Do not discontinue your medication until you’ve consulted your healthcare provider.
- If possible, also report the adverse reaction to the FDA MedWatch program.
- Once you consult with your healthcare provider ask for non-pharmacological alternatives.
Further information on the precaution
DPP-4 inhibitors (short for Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors) control high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes by helping the body increase the level of the hormone insulin after meals.
The warning applies to the following prescription medications, which are used to control type 2 diabetes:
| Brand Name | Active Ingredients |
| Januvia | sitagliptin |
| Janumet | sitagliptin and metformin |
| Janumet XR | sitagliptin and metformin extended release |
| Onglyza | saxagliptin |
| Kombiglyze XR | saxagliptin and metformin extended release |
| Tradjenta | linagliptin |
| Glyxambi | linagliptin and empagliflozin |
| Jentadueto | linagliptin and metformin |
| Nesina | alogliptin |
| Kazano | alogliptin and metformin |
| Oseni | alogliptin and pioglitazone |
This warning was issued by the FDA after finding 33 cases of severe arthralgia (joint pain) in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. The most frequently reported medication was Sitagliptin (n=28), followed by saxagliptin (n=5), linagliptin (n=2), alogliptin (n=1), and vildagliptin (n=2) (vildagliptin is not marketed in the United States).
You can learn more about the benefits and risks of your specific medication in its corresponding Medication Guide.
And you can read the official FDA warning by clicking the link below: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm459579.htm
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