Januvia belongs to a class of medications known as DPP-4 inhibitors. It is a once-daily, prescription medication indicated, in addition to diet and exercise, to improve blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Januvia lowers high blood sugar levels after eating a meal and maintains blood glucose levels between meals. Januvia increases insulin produced by your own body in a glucose dependant manner, meaning that it does not stimulate the production of insulin if glucose levels are low. This minimizes the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Sitagliptin works by inhibiting the activity of DPP-4, the enzyme that breaks down GLP-1. This increases the activity of GLP-1 in your body. Insulin production in your pancreas is then able to increase and the production of glucose in your liver decreases. Several other medications of this class are currently in the late phases of clinical development.
Dosage and Form
Each Januvia tablet contains 100mg of sitagliptin.
Take one 100mg Januvia tablet, by mouth, daily, unless otherwise directed by your doctor
Proper Usage of Januvia
Like any prescription medication, it is important to take Januvia exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
The usual dosage is one 100 mg tablet taken by mouth once daily, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Januvia may be taken with or without food
If you miss a dose of Januvia, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Januvia on the same day.
Stay on your prescribed diet and exercise program while taking Januvia.
Monitor your blood sugar as your doctor tells you to.
Januvia may be prescribed alone or with certain other diabetes medications. Follow your doctor’s instructions as to what would be the most effective treatment for you. Your doctor will monitor your diabetes with regular blood tests, including your blood sugar levels and your hemoglobin A1C
Talk to your doctor about how to prevent, recognize and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and complications of diabetes.
Before Taking this medication
Before taking Januvia, talk to your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you are currently taking and/or if any of the following conditions apply to you:
You have type 1 diabetes
You have or have had diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine)
You have or have had an allergy to Januvia
You have congestive heart failure
You have or have had kidney problems. Your doctor may perform blood tests on you from time to time to measure how well your kidneys are functioning.
You have liver problems
You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. (It is not known if Januvia passes into breast milk)
Side effects
There are very few known side effects associated with the use of Januvia. The most common side effects include:
Stuffy/runny nose
Sore throat
Januvia may occasionally cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
The following additional side effects have been reported in general use with Januvia:
Allergic reactions, which may be serious, including rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing. If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking Januvia and call your doctor right away. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to treat your allergic reaction and a different medication for your diabetes.
Elevated liver enzymes
Inflammation of the pancreas
Januvia is unlikely to cause weight gain or hypoglycemia. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Other side effects may occur when using Januvia.
Warnings and Precautions
Januvia is not recommended for children under 18 years of age
Januvia is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breast-feeding
Do not take Januvia if you are allergic to any of the ingredients it contains
Do not stop taking Januvia without consulting your doctor
If you take too much Januvia, call your doctor or local Poison Control Center right away
When your body is under some types of stress, such as fever, trauma, infection or surgery, the amount of diabetes medicine that you need may change. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these conditions and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Remember that your physician has prescribed this medication only for you. Do not give Januvia to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms that you do
Do not use Januvia for a condition for which it was not prescribed
Ingredients
Active ingredient: sitagliptin
Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The tablet film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide, and yellow iron oxide.
