Sitagliptin and Cancer

[PaulP]

I have just been prescribed with a fairly new drug Sitagliptin (Januvia)to take in addition to my Metformin. This works by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4. According to Wikipedia there is a cancer risk because DPP-4 limits the tissue invasion of certain cancers and if you inhibit DPP-4 there is a hypothetical risk of cancer which might be reduced if you take Sitagliptin with Metformin.
Does anyone know of a more reliable source of information or has anyone discussed this with a doctor.

 

[alaska]

For a good look at some of the negative aspects of Januvia see the page on Jenny Ruhl's website
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/18538604.php

Jenny tends to be rather skeptic about drugs (perhaps rightly so) but is very good at providing references to support any concerns she has.

Hope this helps

Ed

 

[phoenix]

Hi , the effect of the 2 together was demonstrated in rats, not humans.
The paper is here
http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/co ... /1604.full
You may also want to read this when making your decision. It is more recent than Jenny's article . The full text of the paper and commentary are linked (but quite technical)

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/750284

 

[Daibell]

Hi. I've been on Sitagliptin for 2 years now and appreciate there is a downside risk with almost any drug. I suspect the risk is very small and not proven yet with humans. I think anything that helps avoid the serious damage diabetes can cause is worth considering - risks and all

 

[PaulP]

Daibell - thanks. Yours seems to be a reasonable attitude