DPP-4 Inhibitors
DPP-4 Inhibitors
DPP-4 Inhibitors, also called gliptins, are oral prescription medicines for type 2 diabetes. They help lower blood glucose by preserving incretin hormones, which prompt insulin release after meals. You can compare tablet strengths, single-ingredient options, and fixed-dose combinations in one place. This category serves adults seeking add-on therapy to metformin or an alternative to sulfonylureas. US shipping from Canada is available through our cross-border service model. Stock can fluctuate by strength and brand; listings may change without notice. Use this page to review core features, dosing ranges, and practical differences before visiting a specific product page.
What’s in This Category
This category includes sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, and alogliptin products. These medicines are dipeptidyl peptidase-4 blockers that reduce breakdown of incretins like GLP‑1. Tablets are the standard form, typically taken once daily with or without food. You will also find combinations that pair a gliptin with metformin for complementary effects. For broader browsing alongside these items, see Non-Insulin Medications to compare alternatives by class. Representative single-agent options include Januvia Tablets when sitagliptin is appropriate. Each listing notes tablet strengths and pack sizes for quick filtering.
Across the class, dpp-4 inhibitors drugs aim for A1C reductions without much hypoglycemia when used alone. Many people add a gliptin to metformin if targets remain above goal. Some prefer agents with minimal renal dose adjustments, such as linagliptin. You can also compare saxagliptin and alogliptin where dose changes are needed in reduced kidney function. Items appear as single-ingredient or in combinations with metformin to reduce pill burden. Expect occasional regional differences; for example, vildagliptin is not common in North America. For an overview of expected benefits and timeline, see What to Expect with DPP‑4s.
How to Choose DPP-4 Inhibitors
Start with treatment goals, current A1C, and your existing regimen. Review kidney function, since several options use renal dosing; linagliptin is an exception. Consider hepatic status, pancreatitis history, and risks for heart failure. The group is generally weight neutral and has low hypoglycemia risk when not combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. If metformin is intolerable or contraindicated, a gliptin may serve as monotherapy. For patients prioritizing cardiorenal benefit, compare other classes in SGLT2 Inhibitors or pair therapies thoughtfully.
Evaluate formulation and convenience when selecting strength and combination products. Fixed-dose metformin pairings can simplify routines and enhance adherence. Review interaction profiles and any heart failure warnings for saxagliptin or alogliptin. Clarify that metformin is not part of this class; it is a biguanide. If you are comparing first-line foundations, browse Biguanides next to assess fit. For use timelines, clinical expectations, and dose-titration basics, you can scan our article above before opening product pages.
- Common mistake: assuming automatic weight loss with gliptins; effects are weight neutral.
- Common mistake: skipping renal dose checks before starting or adjusting.
- Common mistake: overlapping therapies with similar mechanisms without clear rationale.
Popular Options
Several brands represent this class across dosage ranges and combinations. Linagliptin appears in single-agent form and with metformin. You can compare Tradjenta for once-daily use without renal adjustment. Sitagliptin remains widely used and appears alone or paired with metformin in extended-release blends. When sitagliptin is considered, tablet sizes support straightforward titration and compatibility with other non-insulin agents.
For saxagliptin, see Saxagliptin 2.5 mg to review strength options and renal guidance. Alogliptin is available as alogliptin tablets with dosing notes for kidney impairment. Combination choices may reduce pill counts; compare linagliptin/metformin when metformin remains foundational. This section helps assemble a shortlist by tablet strength, renal adjustments, and co-formulations. Shoppers often look for dpp-4 inhibitors brand names to confirm ingredient equivalence across regions.
Related Conditions & Uses
These medicines are used for type 2 diabetes in adults alongside diet and exercise. They target the dpp-4 enzyme to extend incretin activity, improving post-meal insulin release. In practice, clinicians combine them with metformin or other classes to reach targets. Many people switch between gliptins based on renal profile, tolerability, and drug interactions. Pancreatitis history requires caution; advise your prescriber of any suggestive symptoms. While modest A1C reductions occur, effects on weight are typically neutral rather than loss-promoting. If you are comparing across classes, you can also review alternatives under Non-Insulin Medications to see fit.
Typical dpp 4 inhibitors indications include inadequate control on metformin alone or when sulfonylureas cause hypoglycemia. Developers list dose adjustments for reduced kidney function, especially with saxagliptin and alogliptin. Common adverse effects include nasopharyngitis and headache; rare events include pancreatitis and severe joint pain. If you seek information on sitagliptin side effects, product pages and monographs summarize frequencies and caution notes. For detailed comparisons, clinicians often review class data, head-to-head trials, and renal tables. As a reminder, metformin belongs to biguanides, not the gliptins group.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Authoritative Sources
For dosing frameworks and labeling, consult FDA safety communications and product monographs. These resources provide practical context for dpp-4 inhibitors dose guidance and rare risks.
- The FDA describes severe joint pain signals with this class; see their communication FDA warning on severe joint pain.
- Health Canada summarizes related safety findings and monitoring actions; review Health Canada DPP-4 safety review.
- A clinical overview of class effects and mechanisms is outlined by StatPearls; see DPP-4 Inhibitors (StatPearls).
Filter
Product price
Product categories
Conditions
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are DPP-4 inhibitors intended for?
They are intended for adults with type 2 diabetes who need additional glucose control after diet, exercise, and often metformin. Clinicians may choose them for low hypoglycemia risk and weight-neutral effects. Selection depends on kidney function, history of pancreatitis, and potential interactions. They can be used alone or with other non-insulin medicines, including metformin. Each product page lists tablet strengths, dosing ranges, and combination options.
What strengths and forms can I browse here?
You can browse oral tablets by active ingredient and strength, plus fixed-dose combinations with metformin. Typical single-agent strengths include low, medium, and high tablets taken once daily. Combination products pair a gliptin with metformin to reduce pill burden. Product pages outline pack sizes and renal dosing notes. Availability can vary by strength, so listings may change without notice.
Do these medicines cause weight loss?
No, weight loss is not typical with this class. DPP-4 inhibitors are generally weight neutral. If weight reduction is a priority, some patients consider other classes, such as SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP‑1 receptor agonists, under clinical guidance. Individual responses vary, especially when combined with metformin or lifestyle changes. Check each product’s monograph for detailed outcomes.
Are these suitable if I have kidney problems?
Some agents require renal dose adjustments, while linagliptin generally does not. Your prescriber will review estimated GFR to select a dose. Each product page summarizes renal guidance for mild, moderate, and severe impairment. Monitor for changes in kidney function during therapy. Do not adjust dosing without clinical advice.
Is metformin part of this drug class?
No. Metformin is a biguanide, not a DPP‑4 inhibitor. It is often used first-line and may be paired with a gliptin for additional A1C reduction. Combination tablets exist that include metformin with a DPP‑4 agent. Review category pages to compare biguanides, DPP‑4s, and other non-insulin options side by side.
Related Articles
Diabetes, Type 2
Ozempic Rebound: A Practical Guide to Prevent Weight Regain
Many people stop GLP-1 therapy and wonder what comes next. Appetite changes, routine shifts, and metabolism can collide. A clear plan helps you keep progress steady and predictable, not reactive.…
Diabetes, Ophthalmology
Diabetic Eye Disease Month: Protect Your Vision Today
Timely eye care prevents avoidable vision loss. Diabetic Eye Disease Month raises awareness about screening, risk control, and treatment choices that help protect sight over time. Key Takeaways Early detection…
Diabetes, Type 2
Orforglipron vs Rybelsus: Which Is More Effective?
Key TakeawaysEvidence snapshot: Early orforglipron data suggests meaningful weight and A1C changes.Formulation difference: Both are oral GLP-1 therapies, but they use distinct chemistries.Use in practice: Rybelsus is approved; orforglipron remains…
Diabetes
Common Diabetes Medications: How They Work and When to Use
Understanding common diabetes medications helps you discuss options with your clinician. This overview explains how major drug classes work, where they fit, and how they differ. You will also find…