Januvia (Sitagliptin Phosphate)

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Sitagliptin works by increasing substances in the body that help the pancreas release more insulin after eating, which helps control blood sugar levels. Januvia is taken as a tablet once daily and works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Directions

Januvia is taken by mouth with or without food. The standard dosage for most adults is 100 mg once daily. Patients with kidney problems may need a lower dose, with 50 mg once daily recommended for moderate kidney impairment and 25 mg once daily for severe kidney problems or end-stage renal disease.

Take Januvia at roughly the same time each day. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it's remembered unless it's almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Don't take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in this drug is sitagliptin.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Januvia has been linked to rare cases of pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Seek medical help right away if you develop severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or back pain.
• Some people taking DPP-4 inhibitors have developed heart failure. If you have kidney problems or a history of heart failure, your doctor may monitor you more closely. Report symptoms like swelling, shortness of breath, or sudden weight gain.
• Kidney function can worsen in rare cases, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Because of this, your doctor will check your kidney function before starting Januvia and from time to time afterward.
• Januvia can increase the risk of low blood sugar when taken with insulin or sulfonylureas. Your healthcare provider may reduce the dose of these other medications to help prevent dizziness, sweating, shakiness, or confusion.
• Serious allergic reactions have been reported, including swelling, rash, and severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. These can occur soon after starting the medication, even after the first dose.
• Some patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors have experienced severe joint pain that may appear suddenly or after months of treatment. Symptoms usually improve once the medication is stopped.
• A rare skin condition called bullous pemphigoid has occurred in people taking drugs in this class, causing blisters or open sores. If you notice unusual blisters, stop Januvia and contact your doctor.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if there's a known hypersensitivity or allergy to any ingredient in Januvia tablets.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Januvia include:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Stomach upset or diarrhea (less common)

These effects are usually mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts. Some people may also notice swelling in the hands or legs when Januvia is combined with other diabetes medications such as metformin and rosiglitazone. Tell your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Januvia can also cause more serious reactions. Low blood sugar may occur, especially if Januvia is taken with insulin or sulfonylureas, and can lead to dizziness, sweating, confusion, weakness, or a fast heartbeat. Rare but serious risks include kidney problems, severe joint pain, allergic reactions, and bullous pemphigoid. Seek medical care right away for blisters, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, or signs of low blood sugar.