Januvia (Sitagliptin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Januvia Used For?
Januvia contains sitagliptin and belongs to a class of oral medications called DPP-4 inhibitors that help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Primary Uses
Januvia is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can be used alone or combined with certain other blood sugar-lowering medications along with a recommended diet and exercise program.
How It Works
Januvia is a DPP-4 inhibitor (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor) that works by helping your body lower blood sugar levels when they are elevated.
How to Take Januvia
Take Januvia exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It’s important to take it consistently at the same time each day to maintain steady blood sugar control.
Dosage Instructions
Take Januvia once a day by mouth, with or without food. Take it at about the same time each day. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe lower doses and monitor your kidney function. Your doctor may prescribe Januvia alone or with certain other blood sugar-lowering medicines.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re supposed to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Signs of respiratory infection (runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, flu-like symptoms)
- Stomach discomfort and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Muscle aches or pain in joints, back, arm, or leg
- Itching or skin blisters
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions including rash, hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, and throat with difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe and persistent stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting (may be signs of pancreatitis)
- Low blood sugar when used with sulfonylurea medicine or insulin
- Severe blistering or breakdown of skin
- Kidney problems (sometimes requiring dialysis)
Important Warnings
Before taking Januvia, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Januvia
Do not take Januvia if you are allergic to sitagliptin or any of the ingredients listed in the medication. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can take this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have or have had: type 1 diabetes mellitus, increased ketones in the blood or urine (diabetic ketoacidosis), any kidney problems, or any past or present medical problems. Also tell your doctor if you take any medicines for any other condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Januvia is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. You should not take Januvia while breastfeeding or if planning to breastfeed. Call your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while taking Januvia.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Januvia and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Dosage adjustment: A reduction in the amount of sulfonylurea or insulin may be required when used with Januvia
- Sulfonylureas (may cause low blood sugar when used with Januvia)
- Insulin (may cause low blood sugar when used with Januvia)
Alcohol & Driving
There is no specific information suggesting that Januvia affects your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Driving and Operating Machinery
There is no information to suggest that Januvia affects your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it’s time to take them. Store Januvia in a cool dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Januvia, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can take Januvia with or without food. Take it at about the same time each day for best results.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re supposed to. Never take a double dose.
No, do not stop taking Januvia suddenly. Continue to take it as long as your doctor prescribes it so it can continue to help control your blood sugar.
If you think you’ve taken too much Januvia, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
No, do not give Januvia to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Each person’s treatment needs to be individually prescribed by their doctor.
Yes, it’s important to stay on your doctor’s recommended diet, exercise and weight loss program while taking Januvia. Diet and exercise help your body use blood sugar better.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are taking Januvia. If you’re about to start any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you’re taking Januvia.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.