DPP-4 Inhibitors - Diabetes Medications

DPP-4 inhibitors are a class of medications used in the management of type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control by blocking the enzyme DPP-4, which helps regulate insulin secretion.

DPP-4 Inhibitors FAQ

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What are DPP-4 inhibitors used for?

DPP-4 inhibitors may be used as a second or third line medication for people with type 2 diabetes after prescribing metformin and sulphonylureas, and as an alternative to thiazolidinedione medication.

How many DPP-4 inhibitors are available in the UK?

There are currently five DPP-4 inhibitors available in the UK. Alogliptin: 25 mg once daily. Linagliptin: 5 mg once daily. Sitagliptin: 100 mg once daily. Saxagliptin: 5 mg once daily. Vildagliptin: 50 mg twice daily. When used in dual combination with a sulfonylurea, reduce to 50 mg once daily in the morning.

What are dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors?

Inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 ( DPP-4 inhibitors or gliptins) are a class of oral hypoglycemics that block the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). They can be used to treat diabetes mellitus type 2 . The first agent of the class – sitagliptin – was approved by the FDA in 2006.

Which DPP-4 inhibitors have FDA approval?

DPP-4 inhibitors that have FDA approval include sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, and alogliptin. Vildagliptin has approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), but not by the FDA. These drugs act through incretin hormones, which are gut hormones responsible for glucose homeostasis after oral food intake.

What are gliptins & DPP4 inhibitors?

DPP-4 inhibitors, or gliptins as they are sometimes called, are a group of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. DPP4- inhibitors are usually prescribed when diet and exercise alone have not been enough to control your blood glucose levels. DPP4-inhibitors can also come in a combined form with another diabetes drug called Metformin.

What are the different types of DPP-4 inhibitors?

Medicines in the DPP-4 inhibitor class include sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, and alogliptin. They are available as single-ingredient products and in combination with other diabetes medicines such as metformin. DPP-4 inhibitors lower blood sugar by helping the body increase the level of the hormone insulin after meals.