Although the FDA doesn’t suggest stopping use of DPP-4 inhibitors they do suggest speaking with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or are experiencing joint pain.
Normal use of DPP-4 inhibitors is to help lower blood sugar in type-2 diabetics along with healthy diet and exercise. Untreated type-2 diabetes can lead to complications including nerve and kidney damage, vision problems and heart disease.
The FDA came to their findings by searching the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database and medical literature. They uncovered that patients experienced joint pain from day one and even years later after their start date of taking DPP-4 inhibitors. Furthermore, when patients stopped use of DPP-4 inhibitors joint pain was relieved within one month. Additionally, when patients went back on DPP-4 inhibitors the joint pain returned.
The FDA urges healthcare professionals as well as patients to report any side effects caused by DPP-4 inhibitors. Below is a chart from the FDA which reveals FDA-approved DPP-4 inhibitors.
| Brand name | Active ingredient(s) |
|---|---|
| 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 |