Juvisync Warnings and Precautions

Your healthcare provider needs to know if you have a history of liver disease, pancreatitis, or kidney disease before you can start treatment with Juvisync. Other precautions for safely using this medicine include warnings of potential allergic reactions and drug interactions. This medicine can also cause other complications, such as pancreatitis and a potentially life-threatening breakdown of muscles.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Juvisync® (sitagliptin/simvastatin) if you have:
 
  • A history of pancreatitis
  • Liver disease, liver failure, or a history of liver disease
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
 
Let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
 
You should also tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Also, make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, especially if it is accompanied by body aches or a fever.
 

Specific Precautions and Warnings With Juvisync

Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking this medication include the following:
 
 
  • There have been some reports of pancreatitis in people taking sitagliptin (one of the active ingredients in Juvisync). This is probably most likely to occur shortly after the drug is first started or when the dosage is increased. Make sure to let your healthcare provider know right away if you have signs of pancreatitis, such as:
 
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Loss of appetite
    • Severe, persistent abdominal (stomach) pain that sometimes radiates to the back.
 
  • Rhabdomyolysis (the severe breakdown of muscles) and other serious muscle problems have rarely been reported with statins, including simvastatin (one of the active ingredients in Juvisync). You have an increased risk for developing muscle problems with Juvisync if you:
 
    • Have kidney disease
    • Are female
    • Are older
    • Are taking certain medications (see Juvisync Drug Interactions)
    • Drink grapefruit juice or use grapefruit products
    • Have uncontrolled (untreated) hypothyroidism.
 
  • Make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, especially if you also have a fever or feel ill (see Juvisync and Muscle Pain).
 
  • If you are an alcoholic or drink alcohol frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting Juvisync.
 
  • Statins, including simvastatin (one of the components of Juvisync), have been known to cause an increase in liver enzymes. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a blood test that looks at your liver function before starting Juvisync and periodically thereafter. These tests may also be recommended if the Juvisync dosage is changed (see Juvisync and Liver Damage).
 
  • This drug is not appropriate for people with moderate-to-severe kidney impairment. Your kidney function should be checked with a blood test before you start this medication.
 
  • Juvisync is a pregnancy Category X medicine, meaning that it could potentially cause harm to your unborn child. The safety of Juvisync in pregnant women has not been established. If you are pregnant and taking Juvisync, talk to your healthcare provider immediately (see Juvisync and Pregnancy).
 
  • It is unknown whether Juvisync passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Juvisync and Breastfeeding).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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