Januvia is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Januvia contains the active ingredient sitagliptin.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Januvia to treat high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. Your doctor may prescribe Januvia by itself or with other drugs that also treat diabetes. Januvia is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.
Drug details
You’ll find key information about Januvia below.
- Drug class: dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor
- Drug form: oral tablet
- Generic available? no
- Prescription required? yes
- Controlled substance? no
- Year of FDA approval: 2006
Januvia is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.
Januvia contains the drug sitagliptin. This medication is a type of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor.
Januvia can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Januvia. These lists do not include all possible side effects.
For more information on the possible side effects of Januvia, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may bother you.
More common side effects
The more common side effects of Januvia can include:
- upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or a sinus infection
- runny or stuffy nose
- headache
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Januvia are not common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms can include:
- confusion
- dizziness
- drowsiness (feeling sleepy or tired)
- fast heartbeat
- feeling jittery (nervous)
- headache
- hunger
- feeling irritable (easily upset or frustrated)
- sweating
- weakness
- Serious allergic reactions. Symptoms can include:
- skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (painful sores on your mouth, throat, eyes, or genitals)
- anaphylaxis (a type of severe allergic reaction that can include low pulse rate, rash, sudden drop in blood pressure, and difficulty breathing)
- angioedema (swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet)
- Kidney problems. Symptoms can include:
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Symptoms can include:
- not being able to move your joints
- severe joint pain
- Pancreatitis. Symptoms can include:
- tender abdomen
- swollen abdomen
- indigestion (upset stomach)
- nausea or vomiting
- hiccups
- losing weight without trying
- pain in your upper body
- fever
Side effect details
You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug, or whether certain side effects pertain to it. Here’s some detail about certain side effects this drug may cause. To learn more about side effects of Januvia, check out this article.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Januvia. Allergic reactions to Januvia occur within 3 months of starting the medication. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
- difficulty breathing
Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Januvia. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Hypoglycemia
Januvia rarely causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken by itself. In clinical studies, a very small number of people who only took Januvia had low blood sugar.
But when Januvia is combined with other medications that treat diabetes, such as insulin or glimepiride, the risk of hypoglycemia increases. Hypoglycemia can cause less sugar to go to your cells and organs, which can make them not work as well.
If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia (see the “Serious side effects” section above), tell your doctor. They may adjust your dose of Januvia or other diabetes medications to manage the amount of sugar in your blood.
Heart failure
Heart failure wasn’t reported as a side effect in any clinical study of Januvia. Heart failure occurs when your heart can’t pump enough blood to the rest of your body.
However, according to the
If you’ve had heart failure in the past, taking Januvia may increase your chance of developing the condition again. See the “Januvia precautions” section below to learn more.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart failure. They may adjust your treatment and prescribe a medication other than Januvia.
Cancer
Januvia likely does not cause cancer. No clinical trials of Januvia reported cancer as a side effect.
However, a
If you’re taking Januvia and are concerned about thyroid cancer, talk with your doctor.
Interestingly, some evidence shows that Januvia may have a positive effect on other types of cancer. Three more studies in Taiwan, such as this
Joint pain
Pain in your joints is a possible side effect of taking Januvia. Joint pain is also a side effect of diabetes drugs that are similar to Januvia. More studies are needed to know the specific risk of having joint pain while taking Januvia.
If you have sore joints, let your doctor know. They can recommend treatments to help you feel more comfortable. Or they might have you stop taking Januvia and use another diabetes medication instead.
Diarrhea
Januvia likely doesn’t cause diarrhea. In clinical studies, diarrhea wasn’t a common side effect in people who took Januvia by itself. However, some studies have shown that people who took Januvia with other diabetes drugs did have diarrhea.
In these clinical studies, the overall rate of diarrhea was low when people took Januvia by itself or with other diabetes drugs. This included people who took metformin, which is a common cause of diarrhea.
If you have diarrhea while taking Januvia and other diabetes drugs, drink a lot of water. Call your doctor if the diarrhea lasts longer than 3 days. Your doctor can recommend treatments to help ease your symptoms. They may also adjust the dosage of your diabetes medications.
The Januvia dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Januvia to treat
- your age
- other medical conditions you may have
- how well your kidneys work
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.
You can refer to this detailed article to learn more about Januvia’s dosage.
Drug form and strengths
Januvia comes as a oral tablet. It’s available in three different strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 100 mg.
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
Januvia is typically prescribed in dosages of 100 mg, once per day to treat high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes. It doesn’t matter if you take the drug with or without food.
If your kidneys are not working well, your doctor may give you a different dosage of Januvia. Differences in dosages can be more common in older adults. This is because their kidneys may work less well as they age.
If you have questions about your Januvia dosage, talk with your doctor.
What if I miss a dose?
If you realize that you’ve missed a dose of Januvia, take it as soon as you can. But don’t take two or more doses in one day.
It may help to take your medication at the same time each day so it becomes routine. Medication reminders can help make sure that you don’t miss a dose. Consider using them if you have problems remembering when to take Januvia.
Will I need to use this drug long term?
Januvia is meant to be used as an ongoing treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Januvia is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take the drug long term.
As with all medications, the cost of Januvia can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan if you have one, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Januvia. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Januvia, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
Merck, the manufacturer of Januvia, offers savings coupons to help lower the cost of Januvia. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible, visit the program website.
Generic version: Januvia is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article. For additional information about the cost of Januvia, see this article.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Januvia to treat certain conditions.
Januvia for type 2 diabetes
Januvia is FDA-approved to treat high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes in adults, along with diet and exercise. Your doctor may prescribe Januvia by itself or with other drugs that also treat diabetes. Some of the medications that have been found effective with Januvia include:
- metformin
- pioglitazone
- rosiglitazone
- glimepiride
- insulin
Januvia isn’t approved by the FDA for type 1 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes or want to lose weight, talk with your doctor. They’ll discuss possible treatment options with you.
Note: Januvia isn’t approved for weight loss. See the “Side effect details” section above for more information.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Januvia to treat type 2 diabetes, in addition to diet and exercise. Your doctor may recommend that you take Januvia by itself or with other medications that also treat diabetes. Some of these other drugs may include:
Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Januvia, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
Alternatives for type 2 diabetes
Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes include:
- linagliptin (Tradjenta)
- metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza)
- empagliflozin (Jardiance)
- canagliflozin (Invokana)
- saxagliptin
- alogliptin (Nesina)
- glipizide (Glucotrol XL)
- sitagliptin/metformin (Janumet, Janumet XR)
- pioglitazone (Actos)
- glimepiride (Amaryl)
- liraglutide (Victoza)
- dulaglutide (Trulicity)
- dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- semaglutide (Ozempic)
You may wonder how Januvia compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Januvia and Tradjenta are alike and different.
Uses
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both Januvia and Tradjenta to treat high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes in adults, along with diet and exercise.
Januvia contains the drug sitagliptin. Tradjenta contains the drug linagliptin.
Januvia and Tradjenta belong to the same class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. This means that they work in similar ways in your body.
Drug forms and administration
Januvia comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in three different strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Januvia is typically prescribed in dosages of 100 mg, once a day.
Tradjenta also comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in one strength: 5 mg. The recommended dosage is 5 mg, once a day.
You can take Januvia and Tradjenta with or without food.
Side effects and risks
Januvia and Tradjenta work in the same way. So both medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.
More common side effects
These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Januvia, with Tradjenta, or with both drugs (when taken individually).
- Can occur with Januvia:
- Can occur with Tradjenta:
- cough
- Can occur with both Januvia and Tradjenta:
- upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or a sinus infection
- diarrhea
- runny or stuffy nose
Serious side effects
These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Januvia, with Tradjenta, or with both drugs (when taken individually).
- Can occur with Januvia:
- Can occur with Tradjenta:
- few unique serious side effects
- Can occur with both Januvia and Tradjenta:
- joint pain
- skin reactions
- pancreatitis
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Costs
Januvia and Tradjenta are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no generic forms of either drug. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.
Januvia generally costs more than Tradjenta. The actual price you’ll pay for either drug will depend on your insurance plan if you have one, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Like Januvia, metformin is also used to treat high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes. Here we look at how Januvia and metformin are alike and different.
Uses
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both Januvia and metformin to treat high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes in adults, along with diet and exercise. Metformin is also approved to treat type 2 diabetes in children.
Januvia contains the drug sitagliptin. Metformin contains the drug metformin.
Januvia belongs to a class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Metformin is part of the drug class called biguanides.
Januvia and metformin belong to different groups of drugs because they work in different ways.
Drug forms and administration
Both Januvia and metformin come as oral tablets. Metformin also comes as a liquid medication that you swallow.
Januvia is taken once a day. Metformin can be taken from one to three times per day, depending on the dose.
Side effects and risks
Januvia and metformin have different effects on the body, so both medications can cause different side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.
More common side effects
These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Januvia or with metformin.
- Can occur with Januvia:
- upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or a sinus infection
- Can occur with metformin:
- Can occur with both Januvia and metformin:
Serious side effects
These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Januvia, with metformin, or with both drugs (when taken individually).
- Can occur with Januvia:
- joint pain
- skin reactions
- Can occur with metformin:
- lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in your body that can damage your liver)
- low levels of vitamin B-12, which can lead to anemia (low levels of red blood cells) in rare cases
- Can occur with both Januvia and metformin when used with other diabetes drugs:
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Costs
Januvia is a brand-name drug. Metformin is available as a brand-name drug (Fortamet, Riomet) and in a generic form. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.
Januvia generally costs more than metformin. The actual price you’ll pay for either drug will depend on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
There aren’t known interactions between Januvia and alcohol. But drinking too much alcohol can decrease the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood. This can lead to a condition called hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If you drink heavily on a regular basis and have low blood sugar, your blood sugar level may drop even more.
Also, drinking too much alcohol can damage your pancreas. If you’ve ever had a condition called pancreatitis (swollen pancreas), taking Januvia may cause your pancreatitis to flare up. Drinking alcohol may increase your chances of having pancreatitis while taking Januvia.
If you drink alcohol and are concerned about how it might interact with Januvia, talk with your doctor. They can tell you how much is safe, if any, for you to drink during your treatment.
Januvia can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain herbs.
Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase the number of side effects or make them more severe.
For more information about Januvia and interactions, see this in-depth article.
Januvia and other medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Januvia. This list doesn’t contain all drugs that may interact with Januvia.
Before taking Januvia, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Birth control
Taking birth control pills with Januvia may make Januvia less effective (not work as well).
In addition to helping prevent pregnancy, the hormones in birth control pills can increase the amount of sugar in your blood. With this higher level of sugar in your blood, Januvia may not work as well.
If you’re using or want to use birth control pills while taking Januvia, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the best way to avoid becoming pregnant.
Insulin
Insulin or drugs that help your body make insulin can interact with Januvia. Taking both medications together may cause your blood sugar level to drop and lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Once you start taking Januvia, your doctor may adjust your dosage of insulin or insulin medications.
Januvia and herbs and supplements
There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Januvia. But some herbs may help reduce the amount of sugar in your blood. Taking these herbs with Januvia may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be dangerous.
Some of the herbs and supplements that may help reduce the amount of sugar in your blood include:
- aloe vera
- Andrographis paniculata
- astragalus (huáng qí)
- Cassia fistula
- Cassia occidentalis
- fenugreek
- garlic
- ginger
- ginseng
- gymnema
- karela (bitter melon)
- lycium
- olive leaf extract
- prickly pear cactus (Nopal cactus)
- scutellaria (skullcap)
- sesame oil
- St. John’s wort
If you’re taking any of these herbs or supplements, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on whether they’re safe to use while taking Januvia.
Managing the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood is very important. Too much sugar can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). This is a condition in which sugar stays in your blood instead of going into your body’s cells. When your cells don’t have sugar to use for energy, some of your organs, including your kidney and heart, may become damaged over time.
Your body helps regulate the amount of sugar in your blood with a type of hormone called insulin. Hormones are substances that can affect how certain cells and organs work.
With type 2 diabetes, your body develops insulin resistance. This means that your body can’t use insulin the right way. As the level of sugar in your blood increases, the level decreases in your cells and organs. So your pancreas tries to make more insulin to help manage your blood sugar. But in most cases, your body won’t be able to make enough insulin.
When you have type 2 diabetes, you should maintain a diet that’s healthy for you. It’s important that you do not consume too much food and drink that your body can make into sugar. Exercise is also vital. It helps reduce the amount of sugar in your blood. When you exercise, your muscles draw energy from sugar. So sugar moves from your blood into your muscles.
But in some cases, diet and exercise aren’t enough to reduce the amount of sugar in your blood. You may need to take medication to get your blood sugar to a safe level. Most of these drugs need to be taken for a long time.
What does Januvia do?
Januvia primarily works by increasing the amount of insulin in your body, which lowers your blood sugar levels.
Januvia stops the activity of a protein called dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4). DPP-4 reduces the amount of two substances that decrease the amount of insulin in your body. These chemicals are called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
By blocking DPP-4, Januvia increases the amount of GLP-1 and GIP in your body. This in turn increases the amount of insulin that your body makes. High levels of insulin then decrease the amount of sugar in your blood.
In addition, higher levels of GLP-1 cause your body to release less of a hormone called glucagon. This hormone increases the amount of sugar in your blood. So with less glucagon in your body, your blood sugar levels decrease.
How long does it take to work?
After taking Januvia, it may be about a week until your blood sugar level starts to decrease. Your sugar-monitoring tests may be a good way for you to check the amount of sugar in your blood.
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition, so Januvia treatment is long term as well. If the amount of sugar in your blood decreases, don’t stop taking Januvia unless your doctor tells you. If you suddenly stop taking the drug, your blood sugar level will increase again.
Taking more than the recommended dosage of Januvia can lead to serious side effects.
Overdose symptoms
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- change in mental activity (including thinking and reasoning)
- excessive sweating
- heart palpitations (feeling of skipped or extra heartbeats)
- tremor (unintentional shaking in a part of your body)
What to do in case of overdose
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
You should take Januvia according to your doctor or healthcare professional’s instructions.
When to take
You can take Januvia at any time, once a day. It’s better to take the drug at the same time each day. Your doctor can help you decide what time is best for you based on your schedule.
Medication reminders can help make sure that you don’t miss a dose.
Taking Januvia with food
It doesn’t matter if you take Januvia with or without food.
Can Januvia be crushed, cut in half, or chewed?
No. You should swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
If you have problems swallowing Januvia tablets, talk with your doctor. They can recommend strategies that make swallowing tablets easier. Or they may recommend other medications that are easier for you to take.
There haven’t been clinical studies in humans to determine whether Januvia is safe to take during pregnancy. In animal studies, no problems were reported when Januvia was given during pregnancy. But animal studies don’t always predict what happens in humans.
If you’re taking Januvia and planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can discuss your treatment options.
You can also consider asking your doctor about the clinical registry for Januvia use during pregnancy. Pregnancy registries collect information about how a drug affects pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend participating in the registry if you take Januvia while pregnant.
There isn’t information about Januvia being present in breast milk in humans. Studies conducted in animals showed that the drug was present in breast milk. No harmful effects occurred to offspring in animal studies. But animal studies don’t always predict what happens in humans.
If you’re taking Januvia and currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on the best way to feed your child.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Januvia.
Will I need to take insulin with Januvia?
Maybe. Januvia can be taken by itself or with insulin. Whether or not you need to take insulin depends on the amount of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will look at your lab tests and treatment history to decide whether you need insulin with Januvia.
If I have type 1 diabetes, can I use Januvia?
No. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved Januvia to treat type 1 diabetes. Januvia is only approved to treat high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is thought to involve a problem with your immune system. Your immune system protects your body from infections. When a person has type 1 diabetes, their immune system gets confused and attacks the production of insulin.
If you have type 1 diabetes, your body can’t make its own insulin. This means that Januvia can’t increase the amount of insulin that your body releases like it does in a person with type 2 diabetes.
However, it’s possible that Januvia might help people with type 1 diabetes in other ways. Until more studies are done, there is not enough information to recommend Januvia to treat type 1 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the best treatment to help you manage your condition.
If I don’t have diabetes but want to lose weight, can I use Januvia?
No. Januvia is only approved to treat high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes. The FDA hasn’t approved the drug to treat weight loss.
Januvia’s use in people without diabetes who want to lose weight has been studied in one small trial. People in this study had high blood pressure and high cholesterol but did not have diabetes. After taking Januvia for 3 months, they reported reduced body weight.
More studies are needed before Januvia can be recommended for weight loss. If you don’t have diabetes and want to lose weight, talk with your doctor. They may adjust your diet and exercise routine based on your needs. They may also recommend a dietitian to help make sure you get the proper nutrition.
Is Januvia safe for kidney health?
It depends on your kidney function. Kidney problems, including kidney failure, could be a rare side effect of Januvia. See “Kidney effects” under “Januvia side effects” above for details about kidney problems with Januvia.
Your doctor will monitor your kidney function during your Januvia treatment. If your kidneys aren’t working well, your doctor may adjust your dosage. This may be more common among older adults.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney problems. If you have a history of kidney problems, certain side effects of Januvia might be more likely to occur. See “Kidney failure” under “Januvia precautions” below for details.
Are there any natural alternatives I can use instead of Januvia to help control my blood sugar?
Natural alternatives shouldn’t replace any diabetes medication that your doctor has prescribed for you. But researchers are studying how certain foods and supplements can increase or decrease the amount of sugar in your body.
More studies are needed to confirm whether it’s effective and safe for people to take cinnamon for type 2 diabetes.
Another natural alternative that’s been researched is the mineral chromium. It may help reduce blood sugar levels. But according to a review of clinical studies, it’s not clear whether chromium is effective and safe for treating high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes. More studies are needed.
If you’re interested in taking cinnamon, chromium, or another natural alternative to help treat type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the pros and cons with you.
Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Januvia?
It’s not likely. No withdrawal symptoms have been reported with Januvia. (Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is used to.)
If you want to stop taking Januvia, first talk with your doctor. They’ll let you know how to best stop your treatment. Your doctor will also recommend other ways to help manage your diabetes.
Will Januvia stop working to treat my blood sugar after a while?
It’s not likely. Januvia is meant to be taken long term, and the drug shouldn’t stop working. Januvia should help manage your blood sugar for as long as you take it. However, not everyone’s body reacts in the same way. So while it’s unlikely, it’s possible that your body will stop responding to Januvia after a while.
In the case that Januvia no longer works for you, your blood sugar level may become high. This is called hyperglycemia and its symptoms include:
- extreme thirst
- urinating much more often than usual
- urinating more often at night
- fatigue
- sores that do not heal
- blurry vision
If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. If the amount of sugar in your blood is too high, you may need a different medication than Januvia.
Januvia comes with several warnings.
Before taking Januvia, talk with your doctor about your health history. Januvia may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These include:
Pancreatitis
Januvia may cause pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas). If you’ve had pancreatitis in the past, it’s possible that taking Januvia may cause the condition to flare up. Other health issues can also cause your pancreas to swell or not work correctly. So before taking Januvia, tell your doctor if you’ve had any of the following:
- pancreatitis
- high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood)
- gallstones (small, hard masses in your gallbladder)
- a history of alcohol use disorder
Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe pain in the area of your abdomen that does nt go away. This pain can spread to your back, and it may or may not cause you to vomit. If you notice these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. They’ll probably have you stop taking Januvia.
Kidney failure
Kidney problems may increase how much Januvia stays in your body. This can lead to complications, including pain or pressure in your chest or swelling of your legs, ankles, and feet. Rarely, some people reported kidney problems or kidney failure after taking Januvia.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney problems. They’ll monitor how your kidneys are working during your Januvia treatment. Your doctor may also adjust the amount of Januvia that you take, if needed.
Heart failure
If you’ve had heart failure in the past, taking Januvia may increase your risk of developing the condition again. Heart failure occurs when your heart can’t pump enough blood to the rest of your body.
Before you start taking Januvia, tell your doctor if you’ve had heart failure. If you have, they’ll check your heartbeat while you take the drug. Your doctor will also monitor you for heart failure symptoms during your treatment. These include:
- shortness of breath
- swelling or fluid retention (buildup of fluid in your body)
- rapid increase in weight
- unusual tiredness
If you notice any of these heart failure symptoms yourself, tell your doctor right away. They’ll monitor your heartbeat and prescribe you with medications to help your heart to function properly.
Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Januvia, see the “Januvia side effects” section above.
When you get Januvia from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically one year from the date they dispensed the medication.
The expiration date helps guarantee the effectiveness of the medication during this time. The
Storage
How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.
Keep Januvia tablets at room temperature in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as in bathrooms.
Disposal
If you no longer need to take Januvia and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.
The
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