DPP4 inhibitors

DPP4 inhibitors or Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are a class of medicine used to treat Type 2 diabetes. They work by blocking the action of DPP-4, an enzyme which destroys the hormone incretin. Incretins help the body produce more insulin only when it is needed and reduce the amount of glucose being produced by the liver when it is not needed. These two actions lower blood glucose levels.

Mechanism of Action

DPP4 inhibitors work by inhibiting the action of the DPP-4 enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down incretins, hormones that stimulate insulin secretion in response to meals. By inhibiting DPP-4, these drugs increase the levels of active incretins, leading to increased insulin secretion and decreased glucose production by the liver.

Types of DPP4 Inhibitors

There are several types of DPP4 inhibitors available, including:

• Sitagliptin (Januvia)
• Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
• Linagliptin (Tradjenta)
• Alogliptin (Nesina)

Side Effects

Like all medications, DPP4 inhibitors can cause side effects. These may include:

• Nasopharyngitis (common cold)
• Headache
• Influenza
• Diarrhea

In rare cases, they can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and joint pain.

Interactions

DPP4 inhibitors can interact with other medications, including:

• Insulin and other diabetes medications
• Warfarin (a blood thinner)
• Digoxin (a heart medication)

Patients should always inform their healthcare provider of all the medications they are taking.

See Also

• Type 2 diabetes
• Incretins
• Insulin
• Pancreatitis

DPP4 inhibitors Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia