Drug Name

Januvia (Sitagliptin)

Drug Uses

Januvia is used for treating type 2 diabetes in patients who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.

How to use

Use Januvia as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

An extra patient leaflet is available with Januvia. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.

Take Januvia by mouth with or without food.

Continue to take Januvia even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It works by increasing the amount of insulin released by your body, and by decreasing the amount of sugar made by your body.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Januvia, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage

Store

Januvia at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Januvia out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Januvia if:

•     you are allergic to any ingredient in Januvia;
•     you have type 1 diabetes;
•     you have high blood ketone levels (diabetic ketoacidosis).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Januvia. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

•     if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
•     if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
•     if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
•     if you have kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Januvia. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Digoxin or sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Januvia

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Januvia:

• hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Januvia and call your doctor at once if you have:

•     pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fast heart rate;
•     little or no urinating;
•     swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
•     severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common Januvia side effects may include:

•     runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
•     headache, back pain, joint or muscle pain; or
•     nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation.