Sitagliptin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. It works by helping to increase the levels of insulin produced after a meal and decreases the amount of sugar made by the body.
Sitagliptin is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sitagliptin is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Sitagliptin (Januvia) may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the available dosage forms and strengths?
Tablet
How should you take Sitagliptin (Januvia)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
The recommended dose is 100 mg once daily. Renal function should be assessed prior to starting sitagliptin and periodically during treatment. The dose of sitagliptin should be modified based on renal function.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor’s office.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, and feeling shaky. To quickly treat low blood sugar, always keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda.
Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to use in case you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink. Be sure your family and close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, headache, and tiredness.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Store at room temperature; away from moisture, heat, and light.
Who should not take Sitagliptin (Januvia)?
Sitagliptin (Januvia) shouldn't be taken by people with type 1 diabetes (a disease in which the body doesn't produce any insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous condition that can occur if high blood sugar is untreated).
Sitagliptin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
What to avoid while taking Sitagliptin (Januvia)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels. Don’t drink alcohol while taking Sitagliptin without first discussing it with your doctor.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Sitagliptin (Januvia)?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and your dose needs may be different during each trimester.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
What are the possible side effects of Sitagliptin (Januvia)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Stop taking sitagliptin and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, with or without vomiting.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
severe and persistent pain in the abdomen (stomach area) which might reach through to your back with or without nausea and vomiting as these could be signs of an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
severe autoimmune reaction-itching, blisters, breakdown of the outer layer of skin
severe or ongoing pain in your joints
little or no urination
symptoms of heart failure-shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling in your legs or feet, rapid weight gain
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs interact with Sitagliptin (Januvia)?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:
Lanoxicaps or Lanoxin (digoxin)
Insulin
Certain oral medications for diabetes, including Diabinese (chlorpropamide), Amaryl (glimepiride), Glucotrol (glipizide), DiaBeta (glyburide), Tolinase (tolazamide), and tolbutamide
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with sitagliptin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention
Where can I get more information about Sitagliptin (Januvia)?
If you have any questions about buying discount Sitagliptin (Januvia) or any other prescription products online, you can contact us.
