Does januvia cause weight loss?
Januvia (sitagliptin) is a DPP‑4 inhibitor approved to help control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes when combined with diet and exercise. In clinical trials, neither weight gain nor weight loss was consistently reported as a side effect. One small study in non‑diabetic patients noted a 6.5% weight loss with sitagliptin versus 7.65% with metformin, but larger trials in type 2 diabetes have not shown a direct effect on body weight.
What is Januvia used for?
- Improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Not approved for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Avoid in severe kidney disease or dialysis
How does Januvia work?
Sitagliptin blocks the DPP‑4 enzyme, preventing the breakdown of incretin hormones. Higher incretin levels increase insulin release and decrease glucagon secretion, lowering blood glucose.
What are the side effects of Januvia?
Common side effects:
- Headache
- Upper respiratory infection symptoms (sore throat, runny/stuffy nose)
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Mouth ulcers
Rare but serious side effects (seek medical attention):
- Heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling, sudden weight gain)
- Pancreatitis (persistent nausea/vomiting, severe abdominal/back pain)
- Allergic reactions (hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas (hunger, sweating, confusion)
- Kidney problems (decreased function, failure requiring dialysis)
- Severe skin reactions (blisters, skin erosion)
- Severe joint pain
What should you tell your healthcare provider before taking Januvia?
- Allergy to sitagliptin or inactive ingredients
- Kidney disease or dialysis
- History of heart failure or pancreatitis
- Alcohol use, gallstones, high triglycerides
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding plans
What drug interactions are there with Januvia?
- Insulin or sulfonylureas (risk of hypoglycemia)
Is loss of appetite a side effect of Januvia?
Loss of appetite is not common. If it occurs with nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, rule out pancreatitis and seek immediate care.
Which diabetes medications cause the most weight loss?
- GLP‑1 agonists: Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide)
- Others: Metformin, Symlin (pramlintide), Jardiance (empagliflozin)
How should you store Januvia?
Store at room temperature (68°F–77°F / 20°C–25°C). Keep out of reach of children.
Sources
- Januvia (sitagliptin) tablets, for oral use. Merck & Co. Last updated 02/2023. Accessed Apr 14, 2025.
- Januvia (Rx). Medscape. Accessed Apr 14, 2025.