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Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

  • Januvia is a medicine that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. 
  • It is a type of medicine known as a DPP-4 inhibitor. It works by helping prevent your blood sugar levels from getting too high. 
  • Common side effects may include a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and headache. 
  • Serious side effects are rare, but may include inflammation of the pancreas or heart failure.

Uses

What is Januvia used for?

Januvia (sitagliptin) is commonly used with diet and exercise to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Januvia may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Januvia work (mechanism of action)?

Januvia works to help keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high. Januvia blocks an enzyme called DPP-4. Blocking DPP-4 helps increase the levels of natural hormones in your body called incretins. Incretins help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin levels when blood sugar is high, especially after meals. They also decrease the amount of glucose (sugar) that is made by the liver.

How is Januvia supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Januvia

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 25 mg oral tablets
  • 50 mg oral tablets
  • 100 mg oral tablets

How should I store Januvia?

Januvia should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Januvia?

The most common side effects of Januvia are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infection in the nose or throat, stuffy/runny nose, and sore throat
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Januvia that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Januvia

While less common, the most serious side effects of Januvia are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Januvia can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Januvia and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Januvia may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking Januvia and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Heart Failure. Januvia may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling of your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). When Januvia is used with some other diabetes medicines, it can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.

  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
  • Crankiness or anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Pale skin
  • Sweating
  • Feeling jittery
  • Weakness
  • Fast heartbeat

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Januvia. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • A hard time catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Severe Joint Pain. Some people taking medicines like Januvia have had joint pain that can be severe. Tell your health care provider right away if you have new or increased joint pain while taking this medicine.

Severe Skin Reactions. Some people taking medicines like Januvia have had a rare skin reaction called bullous pemphigoid. This reaction may start as an itchy skin rash and large blisters may form on the skin. You may need treatment in a hospital if this reaction happens. Call your health care provider right away if you get a rash, blisters, or sores on your skin.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not take Januvia?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Januvia.

  • Januvia
  • Sitagliptin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Januvia.

What should I know about Januvia before taking it?

Do not take Januvia unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Januvia with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Januvia out of the reach of children.

Certain conditions that cause increased stress on your body, like fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection, or surgery can change the amount of diabetes medicines you need to take to manage your diabetes. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of these conditions to decide if your medicine needs to be changed.

Talk to your health care provider about how to prevent, recognize, and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and diabetes-related problems.

Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood work, before starting and while you are taking this medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before taking Januvia?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Januvia is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Januvia may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Januvia, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Januvia could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take Januvia while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Januvia passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take Januvia while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Januvia?

For more information about Januvia, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.januvia.com or call them at 800-622-4477.

Interactions

Does Januvia interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Januvia and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Januvia, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.  

Does Januvia interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any other medicines you use for diabetes before taking Januvia.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Januvia. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Januvia?

If you or someone else has used too much Januvia, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Januvia?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.