Januvia

The active ingredient in Januvia is sitagliptan. It blocks an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which breaks down incretin hormones in your body that create insulin and tell your body to produce less sugar. Therefore, by being a DPP-4 inhibitor, it allows the hormone to continue working and your body to regulate insulin and lower your blood sugar levels.

Follow all directions given by your doctor and read the Full Prescribing Information and FDA-approved product labeling, instructions for use, and Medication Guide before using Januvia. In addition, follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

You can take Januvia with or without food once a day. Make sure you continue to take your other diabetes medications, such as metformin, glimepiride, pioglitazone, or sulfonylurea, that your doctor prescribes. Monitor your blood glucose while taking Januvia. The risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is higher while taking Januvia along with other diabetes medications. If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia (headache, drowsiness, irritability, sweating, among others) contact your doctor or use the glucagon injection kit as directed.

The most common side effects of Januvia in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

• Common cold (upper respiratory tract infection), symptoms include:
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

Rarely, Januvia may cause some serious side effects, including:

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Symptoms of pancreatitis could include severe pain in your upper stomach that may spread to your back
• Severe skin reactions. Symptoms could include:
• Rash
• Blisters
• Sores
• Trouble breathing
• Swelling
• Serious allergic reaction
• Do not take Januvia if you have a hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients within Januvia.
• Allergic reactions are rare with Januvia, but make sure to receive medical help immediately. Symptoms could include:
• Hives
• Fast heartbeat
• Swelling in the face, tongue, lips, and mouth.
• Gallstones
• Severe joint pain
• Sudden kidney problems. Symptoms could include:
• Not urinating
• Swelling in legs or ankles
• Trouble breathing

Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking Januvia. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before starting Januvia, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
• History of heart failure or begin experiencing signs of heart failure, including shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, or sudden weight gain
• History of kidney problems or have been on dialysis, as those with renal impairment should be prescribed a lower dose of Januvia
• History of alcoholism or if you regularly consume alcohol, as this may increase or decrease the amount of glucose in your blood
• History of high triglycerides

You should not take Januvia if you have a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to sitagliptin or any of the inactive ingredients in the product.

Initial Effects: Most people start to see some improvement in blood sugar levels within 1-2 weeks of starting Januvia. However, it may take 4 to 6 weeks to experience the full benefits.

Other Diabetes Medications:

Sulfonylureas (e.g., glimepiride, glipizide): Combining Januvia with a sulfonylurea can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you're taking both, your doctor may lower the dose of your sulfonylurea.

Insulin: Januvia can also be used with insulin, but this combination may require adjustments in your insulin dose to prevent hypoglycemia. Close blood sugar monitoring is recommended.

Rifampin (an antibiotic used for tuberculosis):

Rifampin is a strong inducer of CYP450 enzymes, which can lower the levels of Januvia in the bloodstream. This could reduce the effectiveness of Januvia in controlling blood sugar.

Januvia comes as a film-coated tablet in the following strengths:

• 25 mg
• 50 mg
• 100 mg

Store Januvia at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Januvia (sitagliptin) is manufactured by Merck & Co., a global pharmaceutical company

Currently, there is no generic available for Januvia in the United States.

If you are considering stopping Januvia (sitagliptin) for any reason, it's essential to do so under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Stopping Januvia abruptly isn't usually necessary, but any changes to your diabetes management plan should be approached carefully to avoid issues with blood sugar control.

There is currently not enough known about Januvia’s effects during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if Januvia is found in breast milk or what effects it can have on your breastfeeding baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.